18 February 1 Peter 2

Whoever believes in God will never be disappointed

1 Peter 2:6(AMP) states: For this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZOIN A CHOSEN STONE, A PRECIOUS (honored) CORNERSTONE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

The Message translation reads, 1 Peter 2:4-8 “Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent: Look! I’m setting a stone in Zion, a cornerstone in the place of honor. Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation will never have cause to regret it. To those who trust him, he’s a Stone to be proud of, but for those who refuse to trust him, The stone the workmen rejected is now the chief foundation stone. For the untrusting it’s. . . a stone to trip over, a boulder blocking the way. They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted.

In ancient times, the cornerstone was the principal stone placed at the corner or foundation of a structure, ensuring both its stability and its alignment. If the cornerstone was incorrectly placed, the entire building could be compromised.

So, how does this symbolism apply to our lives? The Message translation affirms that this cornerstone, Jesus, is the source of life. It further emphasises that we are like building stones, advising: Present yourselves as building stones for the construction …. Consequently, with Christ as the cornerstone providing stability and alignment in our lives, we are called to present ourselves as building stones, laid upon the foundation of Jesus. (MSG)Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation will never have cause to regret it.

The Amplified Bible elaborates: And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].

Thus, those who build upon the cornerstone and recognise Jesus as their foundation, placing their trust and reliance on Him, will NEVER be disappointed. We will never be let down in our expectations. It’s also said that God always meets us at the level of our expectations. So, what are you expecting? Understanding that you’re building upon the solid rock, Jesus, you’ll realise there are no limits.

Romans 10:11(ESV) reminds us: For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

To conclude, Isaiah 28:16(AMP) proclaims: Therefore the Lord GOD says this, “Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, A precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].”