Definition of The Cornerstone: “The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
Beginning in Genesis (29), the Stone is mentioned as Israel–But his bow remained firm, And his arms were agile, From the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel.) The beautiful idea that God as our Shepherd is the Stone of Israel is synthesized throughout scripture. The concept of the cornerstone is illustrated by the fact that the people of Israel find their foundation built upon a promise; the first covenant with God through Abraham. Abraham, the Father of Nations, is the cornerstone of Israel where we Gentiles have been built into the foundations of the Kingdom of God in an eternal dwelling place with our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
I go to the Mountain of the Lord and hide myself with Him in the cleft of the Rock You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, And gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, To go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel (Isaiah.) The Mountain of the Lord is where He gives us access into the Holy of Holy’s where we abide in presence of God. Jesus is seated in Zion, the city of our God and we are seated in Him. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians.) The Rock is in us and we in the Rock. When our lives are redeemed because of what He did for us grace becomes the mortar of a new construction beginning with the cornerstone. The position of our lives is built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. The winds and storms come railing against such a structure. The structure is solid and shall not fall because all things work together for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus.
When I think on how my life has transformed because of the Spirit of the Living God and my relationship with Jesus my first love, I thank God for His Word that goes deep into my bones and builds more of the Rock into my life–the sure foundation, the precious cornerstone never moves. My Rock gives water like in the wilderness, living water that never runs dry. My Rock shelters me from the cares of the world and hides me in the cleft as I look full into the face of Jesus. Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none (Isaiah 44.)
Each day I declare an “intention” in my mediations and devotional time. I light a candle representing “The Light of the World”, pour water into a cup representing “The Living Water,” smell an essential oil or white roses in a vase representing the earth and Jesus as man, “The Rose of Sharon”, I strike a small bell or listen to the song of a bird representing the air I breath in gratitude; Praise, Worship, and Thanksgiving. I touch the Bible to my lips and kiss Jesus. I sit in a chair and meditate on one word or a verse. I often choose one of the fruits of the Spirit as a “mantra.” The intention is different depending on what direction God is leading me. But in every intention there is this destination: From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2.) I call to my God and He hears me out of His temple, He inclines His ear to me, He hears my cry. I can do nothing apart from my God. This is integrated into my devotional “practice.” I read the Word and rest in the Rock: Phillippians 4:6– Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. This is transforming my being into His nature, character, ways, authority, and power from Glory to Glory. Jesus is the Glory.
