Isaiah 28
"Therefore thus says Lord Yahweh, 'Behold, I am founding/establishing in Zion, a stone (אֶבֶן), a tried and tested (בֹּ֫חַן) stone (אֶבֶן), a scarce/precious/valuable (יָקָר) cornerstone (פִּנָּה), the laying of a foundation stone (מוּסָד). Whoever believes/has trust (אמן) [in this stone] will not be in a panic. And I will make justice the line and righteousness the plumb line. And hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter/hiding place/protection." - Isaiah 28:16-17
Here God informs the prophet Isaiah (c. 700 bc) that he will establish a cornerstone in Zion. Whoever places his confidence in this cornerstone may relax and not panic. Through this cornerstone God will bring real justice to earth. The refuge of lies we tend to trust in will be swept away. All things will be laid bare before God. The motives of man's heart will be judged. Those who have trusted in the cornerstone will be seen to have placed their trust in the right thing. Of course we know that the cornerstone is a reference to Jesus, the Messiah.
"...As it is written, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'" - Romans 9:33
As believers, we must be very careful who or what we are placing our trust in. Is it our bank account or career? Is it our nation's military or economic might? Is it a political figure or vaccine? Is it liberalism, conservatism, or socialism?
God is displeased when we place our trust in anyone or anything other than Messiah Jesus.
If our life circumstances are causing us to panic, we need to stop and return to the stone, the tested stone, the precious cornerstone (v. 16). Jesus himself is to be our foundation. Christianity is not a programme or philosophy, it's a person.
Father, help us to trust in the cornerstone you have set in place. We are easily panicked and distracted from simple faith in your Son. Please increase our concentration on him. May we serve as his disciples and constantly look forward to his kingdom. Do not let us get distracted. We need your help, Father. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman