Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,”

There are different pictures and illustrations the Bible writers use to get across important truths to their audience. This illustration is from building a house.

There are many who can point to what it feels like to be rejected. I became aware of the circumstance of one man who when he and his family were forced out from their home when he was 7 years old. His mother died when he was 9. Shyness was his way of handling it. When he left his house at 22 he lost his job as a store clerk. He was rejected from law school because his grades were inferior. At 23 he borrowed money to become a partner in a small store, but 3 years later his business partner died, leaving him a huge debt that took years to repay. When he was 28 years old he asked a young lady to marry him. She said no. An earlier youthful love ended in heartache at her young death. At 37 he had failed twice to get elected to a political office, but when he finally won, two years later he lost the reelection.

When he was 42, adding to an additional heartache of an already unhappy marriage, his 4-year-old son died. At 43 he was rejected for Land Officer; at 45 he ran for Senate and lost. Two years later he was defeated for nomination for Vice President of the United States. He he ran again for Senate at 49 and lost.

Add to this an endless barrage of criticism, misunderstanding, ugly and false rumors and deep periods of depression - it was no wonder he was rejected by many people. However, it was said of him after his death "There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen ..and now he belongs to the ages."  Of course, if you haven't guessed by now, we nationally recognize the importance of Abraham Lincoln. His presidency marked the turning point of our country for freedom to all people. After the civil war a new nation was born. A nation based on the premise that all men were free and equal. Yet throughout his lifetime people rejected him.

That same scene of leadership recognized after many rejections is repeated all through history. That is also the story of Jesus! Jesus Himself was rejected by men and looked down upon by His society, but the building block that was thrown away was used as the cornerstone of a whole new world.

Peter reminded the rejected Christians of the prophecies about Jesus and this was how God worked in the Old Testament too.  The people of God, though rejected of men, were the ones God used and blessed to change the world. The same is true today. 

Though for the Day:  He uses us in different ways to accomplish His purposes. Sometimes we are used by God because of rejections and failures. The point is not to concentrate on those experiences, but where they bring us, as we continue to trust the Lord.

Prayer:   Lord, thank you that You are so gracious to use us for Your GLory to further Your Kingdom