THE HEADSTONE OF THE CORNER – Charles Spurgeon
The Headstone of the Corner
“The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech You, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech You, send now prosperity.” Psalm 118:22-25.
Origins and Interpretations
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact occasion which inspired this Psalm. Some believe it to be purely prophetic, foretelling rather than narrating history. I am inclined to think it was initially about an Israelite hero, chosen by God yet rejected by rulers, who after many violent struggles, rose to a prominent position in his nation. This Psalm not only applies to Christ, as referenced multiple times in the New Testament, but also celebrates the victory of a divine hero initially scorned by his peers.
Biblical Figures and the Symbolic Stone
The motif of the stone recurs in the lives of several biblical figures. Jacob, fleeing from Esau’s wrath, used a stone as a pillow and dreamed of heaven’s gate, reaffirming his faith and destiny as the sole bearer of Abraham’s legacy, with Esau’s line vanishing. Joseph, sold into slavery by his envious brothers, rose from an Egyptian dungeon to become a cornerstone of Israel, reconciling and sustaining his family in times of famine. David, overlooked by his family and despised by Saul, ultimately triumphed over Goliath and ascended as king, his earlier rejection turning into a testament of divine favor.
Christ as the Rejected Stone
Turning to Christ, the New Testament vividly ties him to this Psalm. Jesus, rejected by his own, fulfilled the prophecy of becoming the cornerstone. Despite abundant evidence of his messianic role through miracles and teachings, he was persistently refused by Israel. His rejection was underscored by the very leaders who should have recognized him, leading to a tragic but foreseen crucifixion.
Christ’s Rejection: A Historical Echo
History repeatedly shows those destined for great deeds often first face severe trials and rejection. Figures like Jephthah, driven from his family yet later embraced as a champion, embody this pattern. Such stories encourage patience and faith amidst adversity, suggesting that rejection might precede significant achievement.
Focusing on Christ’s Mission
Despite various interpretations of the Psalm, its most direct application is to Christ, emphasizing his prophetic rejection and ultimate vindication. His teachings, particularly about the kingdom of God, directly challenged prevailing expectations of a Messiah adorned with earthly power, leading to his ultimate rejection by both secular and religious authorities.
Christ Rejected
Christ’s arrival fulfilled multiple prophecies, yet he was met with skepticism and hostility, particularly from religious leaders well-versed in scripture. Their rejection was not passive but active and cruel, marked by public and brutal denouncement. This rejection stemmed not from ignorance alone but from a threatened power structure and a misalignment with their worldly expectations of a Messiah.
Christ Exalted
Despite his earthly rejection, Christ was exalted as the cornerstone, central to the faith and unifier of disparate groups. His resurrection and ascension marked the beginning of a new era in which he reigns supreme over all earthly and spiritual realms, his past humiliation highlighting his current glory.
The Lord’s Doing
The exaltation of Christ, turning rejection into a divine cornerstone, is seen as God’s work, marvelous to believers. This theme emphasizes that Christ’s rise was not aided by human hands but was a divine act, fulfilling God’s eternal purpose despite human opposition.
Conclusion
Christ, once the rejected stone, now reigns as the cornerstone of a spiritual kingdom that spans beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing all who believe. His story is a powerful testament to divine sovereignty and the transformation of rejection into supreme honor.
The Power of Divine Providence in Christ’s Mission
Our Lord can do without human endorsement. His victories are His alone. Thus, the faith of His followers should remain steadfast, for through patience, they will witness even greater works. Our scripture emphasizes that the marvels we observe are not just the Lord’s doings but are also “marvelous in our eyes,” implying a personal witness to God’s acts that deepen our faith and amazement.
Future Challenges and Divine Triumphs
We may witness the rise of modern thought, potentially dominating over traditional beliefs. German rationalism might evolve into socialism, influencing masses and potentially destabilizing societal foundations. Despite such potential upheavals, marked by a resurgence of “advanced principles” and free thought, believers should not despair. The faith holds that God will intervene marvelously, reaffirming the cornerstone—the rejected yet triumphant Christ.
Proclamation of a New Era
The exaltation of Christ heralds a new epoch. The scripture states, “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” referring to the era of the gospel. With Christ’s ascension to power, we enter a time where forgiveness and salvation are freely available. This era, marked by Christ’s reign, should be a period of joy and gratitude, celebrating the bountiful grace bestowed upon us.
Celebrating the Gospel Day
The gospel day is not just a time for reflection but also for celebration. It is marked by Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing a perpetual Sabbath of rest and joy that should be celebrated with reverence and happiness. We honor this day not with solemnity but with jubilant praise, recognizing the triumph over death and sin, as Christ secures His place as the cornerstone of eternal salvation.
The Sabbath as a Day of Joy
Moreover, the Sabbath, the day of Christ’s resurrection, should be a day of light and joy, not of gloom. It’s a time to revel in the victory of Christ, a day to uplift spirits and celebrate the glory now residing in Christ. This day contrasts with the traditional somber observance, encouraging believers to embrace it as a time of happiness and divine glory.
The Resurrection Commencing Triumph
The resurrection of Christ does more than signal a mere continuation of His teachings; it marks the beginning of a triumphant era where the gospel will rise repeatedly, regardless of opposition. This period is characterized by victories over death and sin, mirroring Christ’s victory and promising an unstoppable spread of His truth and light.
An Era Bright with Victory
This era is not only bright with the historical victory of resurrection but also with ongoing triumphs in truth and righteousness. Believers are encouraged to maintain faith and patience, confident in the eventual global acknowledgment of Christ’s dominion and the gospel’s power.
A Call to Faith and Salvation
In the darkness of current trials or doubts, believers are urged to see the exalted Christ and find solace in His triumphs. The exaltation of Christ not only reassures believers of His eternal reign but also invites them to partake in the divine victory, transforming personal gloom into spiritual brightness.
The Exalted Christ Inspiring Prayer
The exaltation of Christ compels us to pray for salvation and prosperity. It’s a plea for immediate divine intervention—”Save now, I beseech You, O Lord”—urging Christ to save souls today, reflecting His ultimate power and mercy. This prayer emphasizes the urgency of divine salvation in the face of human challenges and spiritual battles.
Praying for Church Prosperity
Lastly, the call for prosperity is not just for individual believers but for the church universal. It’s a plea for growth, strength, and expansion of the faith community, ensuring that Christ’s victory and His role as the cornerstone lead to a robust and flourishing church, undeterred by earthly opposition.
Conclusion
Charles Spurgeon encapsulates the essence of divine intervention and Christ’s ultimate victory over rejection and death, urging believers to steadfast faith, joyous celebration, and fervent prayer, confident in the eternal reign and triumph of Christ as the cornerstone of faith and salvation.