Copy and paste the link into your browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFmaXpQZXVI
or search YouTube for ‘The Chief Cornerstone’ by
Gospel Broadcasting Network
“Jesus said to them, ‘Did you never read in the
Scriptures? ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief
corner stone; this came about from the Lord and it is marvellous in our eyes’?’”
Matthew 21:42
“He looked at them and said, ‘What then is this that is
written, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief
cornerstone’?’” Luke 20:17
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the
chief corner stone. This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22-23
Jesus called Himself the ‘Chief Cornerstone’ and although that
doesn’t seem all that significant, it is always beneficial to look a bit closer
because words are carefully chosen for their significance. In this case, there are two Greek words Jesus
used for ‘cornerstone’.
·
Gonia means ‘an angle’ and
signifies an external angle, head stone or the four extreme limits of the earth,
an internal corner or a secret place.
·
Arche means ‘a beginning’, the
first time in order or place and is used to denote the extremities or corners
of a sheet.
But Jesus called Himself the ‘chief cornerstone’. The adjective he used for ‘chief’ is
akrogoniaios’. It means the extreme,
highest and number one. Chief
cornerstones were laid so as to give strength to the two walls they
connected.
So Christ unites Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:20). As someone might carelessly stumble over the
cornerstone when turning the corner – so Jesus Christ proves to be a stumbling
block to the Jews.[1]
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still
prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you
will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily
find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay
Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app
you can download to read them on your phone.
Not sure about Apple.). For the
books, go to Amazon books.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any
updates?)
· Mark – Thankfully the cancer in his jaw was
not activated by the accident. His
surgery is scheduled for the 17 February.
They estimate he will be in hospital recovering for ten or more
days. Please pray for him and his family
-- that they will be sustained financially through this challenging time and
pray for the skill, wisdom and compassion of his health carers.
·
Simon and Tamara and
their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the
Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.
Help them prepare throughout this year for the work. And when Simon takes up the new role, let him
fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated
while at St. Marks. Strengthen the
congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.
·
Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers)
closely as they deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father
and comfort their hearts.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his
47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through
this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom
and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the
many decisions that now must be made.
·
Grant’s brother
- still has quite severe headaches. Had
a shunt put in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain, as the fluid was
putting pressure on the brain and affecting balance. Pray for his health carers
as they work to adjust the flow rate and help minimise the pressure.
· Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and
Rachael – now in her second year of college.
Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions
and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
·
Adam –
please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and
that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt
the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he
badly needs.
·
Barb –
my brother’s faithful and kind wife.
Thank you for praying for her.
She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy
during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend. She is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health
carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray for his financial situation to improve
and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
Pray for the World
[1]
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White,
Jr. Copyright 1985 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc., Publishers.
No comments:
Post a Comment