“’ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.’”
but to those who are disobedient
The “disobedient” are non-Christians. The word “disobedient” means an unbeliever. Unbelief is the cause of their stumbling. This is more than the refusal of intellectual assent. This word is more than simple unbelief. It is a revolt of the will against God’s authority. The gospel presents its truth to the heart as well as the mind. An unbeliever is disobedient because he will not believe the gospel truth (John 5:1-16).
Unbelief is blind to the preciousness of Jesus Christ. Before we received Christ, Jesus was nothing to us. After we believed he was everything to us.
Peter uses the term obey in other places in this first book of his:
1 Peter 1:2, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”
1 Peter 1:22, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.”
1 Peter 4:17, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
The stone which the builders rejected
This is a quotation from Psalm 118:22.
“Rejected” means reject after close examination. The builders tested him to the point where no further testing was necessary for them. The people of Jesus’ day saw his miracles but rejected him in the face of a clear demonstration of his credentials. They repudiated him after a close look at him.
Men set up their little tests to prove whether they want Jesus in his life or not. The real test from God’s viewpoint is the Word of God. God says in the Word that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Has become the chief cornerstone
Not only is Jesus the cornerstone, but he is also the chief cornerstone.
PRINCIPLE:
Unbelief is, in essence, rejection of God’s authority.
APPLICATION:
Disobedience is the rejection of God’s authority upon one’s life. Do you revolt against God’s authority in your life?
God views Jesus Christ as central to his plan. He is the “chief cornerstone.” Have you adequately considered his credentials? Why not place your trust in him now?
