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| Smawley's Chimney |
The cornerstone or foundation stone is that which is laid down first. All other building blocks are aligned with it in order to create something that will endure, be sound, strong & sturdy. Therefore, a foundation stone can be considered the bedrock, basis, starting point not only of actual structures but of teachings or of life itself. Because it binds all other building materials together, it must be genuine.
An excellent quotation from Stefan Doering’s EzineArticle “Setting the Cornerstone - The Purpose of Your Life” yields a great understanding for the extreme importance of the first cornerstone.
“One of the other volunteers - an architect from Canada - explained that placing the first cornerstone is the most important step in creating a solid foundation. For placing everything after that will either be in alignment or not. When the first stone is set properly, the other stones go into place much easier. And if the stone is not set properly, the entire house will be unstable and weak, perhaps even unlivable.”
As I study the photo of the chimney, I think about what went into constructing it. How carefully the stonemason chose the building materials, making sure that each stone was just the right fit, placing it in exactly the right spot; therefore, ensuring its usability and endurance over time. He employed the perfect substance for the filler and the binder. (A little sidebar about the chimney – it exists today as part of a homestead owned by Marvin, my husband’s family.)
The Master Builder makes a startling statement about His Son!
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken” (Isaiah 28:16).
Writers of the New Covenant proclaim that Christ Jesus Himself IS the chief Cornerstone (Eph.2:20), declaring also that is indeed Christ the living stone/cornerstone of God’s temple (1 Peter 2:4). Note the use of the word “living” as an adjective. Living defined as having life, existing, breathing, active, full of vigor – not dead or lifeless. Jesus clearly states in John 14:6 that He is the life or Zoe – that which is of the “absolute fullness of life”!
While writing this blog, I began to take conscious inventory of my cornerstone(s) and fell very short of really healthy ones. Well, I’m stopping for now to begin a review. Life changes are definitely in order!
