Basic HTML Version
Temple Cleansed Again
355
were entirely prepared at the quarry. After they were brought to the
place of building, the workmen had only to place them in position.
For the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had
been brought, but the workmen could find no place for it. It was an
annoyance as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected
stone.
But when the builders came to laying of the corner, they searched
for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of
the proper shape, to bear the great weight which would rest on it.
Should they make an unwise choice, the safety of the entire building
would be endangered. Several stones had been chosen, but under
the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces.
But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It
had been exposed to sun and storm without revealing the slightest
crack. It had borne every test but one—the test of severe pressure.
The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned
position, and found to be an exact fit. This stone was a symbol of
Christ. Isaiah says:
“He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and
for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel... . And many
among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared,
and be taken.” Christ was to bear trials and tests of which the chief
cornerstone in the temple of Solomon was symbolic. “Behold, I lay
in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone,
a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
Isaiah
8:14, 15
;
28:16
.
God chose the foundation stone and called it “a sure foundation.”
The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs. With
perfect safety they may build upon it. Those who trust in Him, He
never disappoints. He has borne every test. He has borne the burdens
cast upon Him by every repenting sinner. All who make Him their
dependence rest in perfect security.
[400]
Christ is both “a sure foundation” and “a stone of stumbling.”
“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them
which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the
same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and
a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being
disobedient.”
1 Peter 2:7, 8
.