I Peter 2:5-8 directs our attention to a cornerstone. That word might be unfamiliar for some of us. It is an architectural term referring to part of a masonry building. It refers to a stone that was set very strategically. All the other stones would be placed in reference to that first block. It orientated the entire building towards a specific direction, and it helped balance the structure.

(By the way, I noticed that an online auction house is offering a pair of carved Roman Corner Stones for $7500… but I digress.)

Often the cornerstone had a construction date ascribed on it and modern buildings might also include the name of the owner and or builder. And sometimes the rock or block might be hollowed out and the cornerstone became a kind of time capsule containing symbolic items and personal treasures.

Paul uses all that imagery to refer to the Lord Jesus. On the personal level, he declares the Lord to be our own chief cornerstone. He and He alone has been placed in our lives in such a way that everything else hinges on Him. We live and move and have our being because of that cornerstone (Acts 17:28).

Nothing holds us together like Jesus. Nothing orients our lives like Jesus. Nothing sustains us like Jesus. As the builder and owner, His name (and I am wondering if maybe the date of our salvation) appears on the cornerstone of each of our individual lives.

But there is also a corporate sense to this cornerstone. Jesus is also the defining stone for the building of His church, the called-out assembly of believers. All of us “little stones” are literally gathered around the chief stone and made into a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Because we are literally aligned with Christ, we are all bunched together with a specific holy purpose. We are His people, and we are supposed to be doing life TOGETHER.

The cornerstone is providing strength and orientation for all of us. The church needs its cornerstone! But it also needs the presence and participation of every other stone.

Let’s remember, church is not optional…even during the fun summer months.

Let’s consider why He is building His church and the role we get to play in that grand scheme. Every stone is important. “…on this rock I will build