Precious Stone

Luke 19:45 – 20:19

I spent my youngest school years growing up in the community of Flat Rock Illinois which at the time had a population of 500 people.  According to most, there wasn’t much there.  I remember hunting for and breaking open rocks with a hammer to expose crystalized minerals.  It felt like I was finding hidden treasure.  Sometimes I didn’t have access to a hammer so I would find a bigger stone that wouldn’t give way when I pounded it against the smaller stones.  Each time, the force of the crushing stone would send the smaller stone scattering into so many fragments that left me searching around to see if any had exposed crystals.  It was endless entertainment that brought me some joy.  Afterward, I would have to show my closest friends the most beautiful pieces just to watch their amazement.  Looking back now, I treasure most the people around me seeking to honor God’s Word in that place I was baptized. 

In our text this week, Jesus’ authority is in view as He teaches people in the temple.  Many religious leaders want to destroy Him.  But there are so many people hanging on every word of Jesus’ teaching and preaching of the Gospel that those with mal intent toward Him are afraid to act.  Jesus tells a parable about a dearly loved only son of a vineyard owner who is killed by the tenants when he comes to them on behalf of his father.  Jesus says that the owner of the vineyard will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.  The people hanging on Jesus’ every word, when they heard this, said, “May it never be so!”  Then Jesus quoted from Psalm 118 speaking about a stone and what it would do for those who believe and to those who do not believe.  In referring to this stone, Jesus is referring to Himself as the promised eternal King.  Those who oppose Him will be crushed.  Those who fall on Him will be broken to pieces.  Literally, Jesus is teaching that He is the cornerstone on which the Kingdom will rise and His opposition will fall.

I wonder what my life would look like if it was broken into fine pieces in such a way that everything in me was fully exposed.  Would it reveal opposing pride like the temple merchants so focused on personal profiteering that we’ve dishonored what’s truly precious to God?  Or would the things engrained in me reveal His authority over my life and bring honor to the Father, Son and Spirit?  Would Jesus’ words have turned the rocky inanimate parts of my soul into some beautiful reflection of Him as the most precious Stone and dear Son of God?  May it ever be so that the teaching and Gospel of Jesus Christ enthrall and indwell us as His Church in ways that bring Him the greatest joy and honor! 

Grateful and hopeful in Christ, 

Jon