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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 111

"Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone."

Text: Ephesians 2:20

THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

What is a “cornerstone” (“akrogoniaios”)? What is the function of “the cornerstone”? Let us take time to ponder the following thoughts:-

1. In the simplest sense (“gonia”)

The word “gonia” which is part of the compound word “cornerstone” signifies an external angle, as that which marks “the corner of a street”.

2. When used in a compound word-form

The word “cornerstone” (“akrogoniaios”) would refer to the role it plays. Cornerstones were laid to give strength to two walls with which they are connected.

We may speak of the wall of the Jews and the wall of the Gentiles. Their strength is drawn from the chief cornerstone.

A PROPHETIC STATEMENT CONCERNING THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

The concept of the chief cornerstone was hidden in a Messianic psalm. Let us take time to ponder this deep prophetic statement.

“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.”
PSALM 118:22-23

Jesus Himself cryptically applied this text to Himself. In that context, there was also a veiled reference to the Gentiles. The reference to the Jews is also unmistakable.

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken
from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”
MATTHEW 21:43

JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF

Paul forthrightly applied the concept of the Chief Cornerstone to the Lord Jesus Christ. This application is obvious.

1. Only Jesus could bring together both Jews and Gentiles.

2. Only Jesus could provide the strength to effectively bind the walls of the Jews and Gentile.

3. Only Jesus could have fulfilled this prophecy.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO REJECT JESUS AS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE?

Jesus Himself gave this solemn word of warning.

“And whoever falls on this stone will be broken;
but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
MATTHEW 21:44