Commander and Chief Cornerstone

Some denominations disagree about who the foundation of the church is. Peter in his own words sets this straight.

 

1Pe 2:3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1Pe 2:4  To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

 

Christ is a living stone, rejected by many but received by his followers. We take on his character and likeness.

1Pe 2:5  Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

 

We also are lively stones, the spiritual house of God offering up spiritual sacrifices.

 

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1Pe 2:6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1Pe 2:7  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

 

The head stone, the corner stone is Jesus. He is to be built upon, first by the apostles, Peter was an apostle who was commanded to feed the sheep.

1Pe 2:8  And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

 

Peter in this teaching was aware that people stumble over who Jesus is and they stumble over the truth of God's word. Some call this "higher thinking...?"

 

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

 

We are the Lord's Holy people, the kings people, some are more peculiar than others...but we were brought out of darkness into his marvelous light. We have received mercy and his grace to serve him and to show Jesus and to praise him. We are not ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Zacchaeus

  

Luke 19:1  And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Luke 19:2  And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Luke 19:3  And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Luke 19:4  And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Luke 19:5  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luke 19:6  And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
Luke 19:7  And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Luke 19:8  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Luke 19:9  And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Zacchaeus was greatly honored and moved by Jesus Choosing to come to him. Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." He received him joyfully. He also repented and was willing to give restitution to any that he had cheated. When Jesus asks to come into our house, our heart, then we must clean house as he convicts us by his presence. He comes to abide in us and we must by his presence repent of sin. He heals us and forgives us. He came first to the house of Israel. "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham." Jesus came first to his own people, the Jews. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

John 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

God the Father had sent Jesus to Zacchaeus on this day of his salvation. "for to day I must abide at thy house." There is the Jewish house of Abraham and their became another spiritual people of Abraham: the Gentiles who by faith come to Jesus. Jesus also was sent by the Father to the Gentiles.

 

John 4:4  And he must needs go through Samaria.

John 4:7  There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

He revealed to the woman at the well, a Gentile outcast who he was.

 

John 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:25  The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
John 4:26  Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

God had sent him to the Gentile woman and she too received Jesus. God sent Jesus to me and I received him joyfully. Out of all the people he chose the least likely people; Zacchaeus and the woman at the well. 

 

Rev 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Are you one who Jesus was sent to come into your house?