There have always been two building projects going on throughout history, into which all other projects generally fit into. There are those projects that join with the people of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) to build a tower to the heavens to make a name for oneself or one’s group. Then there are those projects that partner with God to make a name for him, by exalting his Son, Jesus Christ, to his rightful place (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Apostle Peter calls Jesus the Cornerstone of God’s building project (1 Peter 2:4-10). In ancient times the cornerstone was the single most determining factor of any building. Its size, shape, weight, and placement determined how every other stone would be placed.
The Apostle Peter calls Jesus by two totally different names. To some he is the cornerstone, but to others he is the stumbling block. He is a cornerstone for those who place their trust in him and build their lives on and around him, because he alone can sustain you, even when life gets very difficult. He is a stumbling block for those who reject him and decide instead to build their lives on and around someone or something else. He makes these people stumble, because one day, at the end of your days, you will find out that the stone you cast aside was in reality the only one worth building your life on and around.
Jesus and his followers, who build their life on and around him, will always be rejected. First century Jews rejected Jesus because he did not require adherence to Jewish religious observance to receive what we was offering. First century Romans rejected Christians because they would not fully embrace the essential Roman ideals. Today, Jesus and his followers offend our modern day ideal to shape our future however we see fit. Jesus will not fit neatly into your political party. He will not fully endorse every facet of your vision for the future of America. He will not give your social circle or messenger group a pat on the back for everything you say and do. Instead, he says the only way to truly live, live to the fullest, live for eternity is to bow down to him, renounce your sinful pride and desires, and pledge your ultimate allegiance to him.
Christ is a gift. He is a wonderful gift. He is fully worth it. But, he will offend. The question for you is will you come to the Cornerstone, the only real thing worth building your entire life upon.