Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for May 22

“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22 NLT).

From: May 22, 2019

CHRIST IS OUR CHIEF CORNERSTONE

Every stone in the Hebrew Temple was inspected for flaws by the builders. The stones where cut from a quarry some distance away and had to not only fit their designated location in the Temple, but they had to be without imperfection to support its weight. Of all the stones in the Temple the cornerstone had to be the most perfect for it anchored the corner of the building.

Jesus quoted this Psalm to the Jewish religious leaders to illustrate how they had rejected him as God’s Messiah (Matt. 21:42). Peter used this Psalm in his great Pentecost sermon to speak of Christ as its fulfillment (Acts 4:11) and 3,000 people believed that day. Jesus is our “Chief Cornerstone” and we are “being built together” in Him “for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:20-22).

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Jesus. We thank You that you have made us “living stones” in Him being built together as Your house. Help us to always stand together in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

‘The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”’ (John 12:34 NLT).

From: May 22, 2018

WHO IS THE SON OF MAN?

Those who called out to Jesus from the crowd were correct to assume that Jesus’ preferred title, “Son of Man,” was in fact a Messianic title. Certainly, it was the title of the exalted figure that appeared before the throne of God in Daniel 7, so serious students of Scripture would recognize it. However, when Jesus spoke of the looming death of the Son of Man, the crowd questioned His use of the title. Was Jesus using “Son of Man” in some other context? Who is this Son of Man that would die?

The Jewish crowd was correct to recognize the Son of Man title as Messianic, but they were incorrect to forget the Scriptures that pointed to the Anointed One’s suffering. There are indeed two threads of Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. One prophetic thread portrays Him as the Righteous King who sits on David’s throne forever, while the other thread describes Him as a Suffering Servant who is like a “man of sorrows” who is “wounded for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:3-5). The crowd looked for the first, but missed the second. For the second actually had to precede the first. Yet, the Suffering Servant they rejected will indeed come again as the Righteous King they anticipated. Their partial knowledge led them to a total error.

Who is this Son of Man? He is Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man. He is the fulfillment of every Messianic Scripture written. He is both Suffering Servant and Eternal King.

‘It happened after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?”’ (2 Samuel 2:1 NKJV).

From: May 22, 2017

“David inquired of the Lord.” This was a mark of David’s reign. But he not only “inquired,” he also obeyed, as the next verse reads, “So David went.” He asked the Lord for direction and then he followed the Lord’s direction.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? Yet, most people fail at either the first or the second action. Either they fail to seek the Lord’s wisdom before making a decision, and just act in ignorance. Or they have received knowledge of the Lord’s wisdom, but choose to follow their own way instead.

Hearing and obeying God’s Word are inseparably important. Choosing to ignore either, will ultimately result in disappointment. Yet, living a life both hearing and obeying God’s Word leads to divine blessing.

“for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (John 12:43 ESV)

From: May 22, 2016

Many leaders in Jerusalem believed in Jesus, but would not speak of it publicly for fear of censure by the Pharisees. It wasn’t popular to confess Jesus among the upper classes. Such faith was for the little people. Although fear of rejection may have been their motive for keeping quiet concerning their faith, it was actually “love of glory” that sealed their lips. They loved the approval of man, more than the approval of God. Whose approval do you seek? Whose glory do you love?

“Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21 NKJV)

From: May 22, 2015

Certain Greeks came to Jerusalem during the feast and they asked to see Jesus. No mention of whether they received an audience with Jesus is given, but one thing is sure. Jesus would invite not only those Greeks, but people from every nation and tribe to Himself by removing the wall of separation between them and the Father. He had already cleansed the Court of the Gentiles on Monday of that week. By Friday, He gave His life in payment for humanity’s sins, removing both the wall of separation and rent the veil of the law. Now everyone, whether Jew or Greek, can boldly approach the throne of God in the Name of Jesus. Jesus paid the price, so that those who “wished to see” Him, could.

“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22 NLT)

From: May 22, 2014

Every stone in the Hebrew Temple was inspected for flaws by the builders. The stones where cut from a quarry some distance away and had to not only fit their designated location in the Temple, but they had to be without imperfection to support its weight. Of all the stones in the Temple the cornerstone had to be the most perfect for it anchored the corner of the building. Jesus quoted this Psalm to the Jewish religious leaders to illustrate how they had rejected him as God’s Messiah (Matt. 21:42). Peter used this Psalm in his great Pentecost sermon to speak of Christ as its fulfillment (Acts 4:11) and 3,000 people believed that day. Jesus is not only a stone fit for our temple of faith, He is its Chief Cornerstone, the Stone upon which our whole Christian faith stands.

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark” (John 12:46)

From: May 22, 2012

Wake up sleeper. Come into the Light and walk no longer in darkness. Jesus is the Light of the world. Wake up!

“They would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43)

From: May 22, 2011

Some believed in Jesus but kept quiet because of fear. Are you one of those who prefers man’s approval over God’s? Choose to live for the applause of One. Fear God not man.