OF THE REJECTED STONE AND THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Matthew 21:42 New King James Version - NKJV)
Picture this. I’m sure at one time or the other, you have watched a drama presentation – be on television, or in a movie theatre, or on a stage in a theatre. The actors and actresses recite their lines as they carry out the corresponding actions. Such dramatic spectacle! Such drama presentations have brought many into limelight. The more we watch an actor/actress perform, the more we become familiar with their faces. Soon, they become household names. It’s quite easy to remember them for their roles in front of the curtains, isn’t it? How about those operating behind the scenes? We tend to forget that a drama production is not complete without behind-the-curtains individuals like script writers, stage directors / managers, costume / set designers, sound editors, sound / visual effects, makeup artists, lighting department, talent / research department, caterers, etc. I know we don’t hear much about them, but is a production really complete without them?
Take for instance the cameraman on a movie set. His job is to operate the equipment that captures sound and images of the actors and actresses as they perform. All effort to get the best take in a scene goes down the drain if the camera is not properly utilized. Some time ago, a lady graduated from a college. Like a typical graduate, she was happy and joyous. She invited her family members to the graduation ceremony. Her mother was assigned the task of capturing the graduation ceremony on video-tape. As arranged, she used the hand-held camcorder through the course of the ceremony. Several days later, the family gathered together to watch the video-tape. Surprisingly, there was no image on the screen when the tape was played in the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). No sight, no sound. The cameraman – like everybody else – wondered what happened to the beautiful event she had recorded. The answer was not far-fetched. She realized to her dismay that even though she had operated the camera, she had forgotten to remove the lens cap! That oversight cost the horrified daughter her aspiration of preserving one of the important and memorable events in her life on tape. As for the elaborate preparations and extravagant performances that characterized the ceremony, ........ well, let’s just say blessed memory. Who said that the cameraman played such an insignificant role behind the scene?
Let me introduce you to a behind-the-scene character in the bible. The LORD used this fellow to accomplish outstanding feats to His glory and to the benefit of his fellow men. Unlike Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Samuel, Joshua, Ruth, Job, etc, this fellow does not have a book in the bible named after him - believe it or not! NO, I am not referring to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (who, of course, will be made mentioned of in the latter part of this writing). I am talking about a man whose name appeared in the book in the bible that is titled after his niece / protégé. And who is this fellow?
7 This man had a beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother had died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter........... 10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, for Mordecai had told her not to. 11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to ask about Esther and to find out what was happening to her........... 16 When Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved her more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti (Esther 2:7,10,11,16,17 New Living Translation - NLT).
Wow, quite a remarkable gentleman. Wing beneath her wings, some may say. He’s obviously not the type of person who is happy (to feel sorry) for you for as long as your growth in life remains stunted. He is not like those who believe that if they cannot have something, no one else must succeed in having it. He is not like some folks who think that if they cannot reach a height, others have to be blocked from getting there. Many would love to have a character like Mordecai deal with their pursuits in life.
As if the impact of her role in Esther’s life was not enough, he was instrumental in maintaining stability in government by foiling a regicide.
21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the palace, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 22 But Mordecai heard about the plot and passed the information on to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. 23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were hanged on a gallows. This was all duly recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign (Esther 2:21-23 NLT).
Obviously, only individuals who are in the know knew about Mordecai’s deeds. By reason of his lowly status in the palace, coupled with the sensitive nature of his deeds, not much was publicly declared about his deeds. For reasons that may be connected to desire to maintain an image of political tranquility and good governance, some of his exploits were deemed classified.
1 That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the historical records of his kingdom so they could be read to him. 2 In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate the king. 3 “What reward or recognition did we ever give Mordecai for this?” the king asked. His attendants replied, “Nothing has been done.” ............. 6 So Haman came in, and the king said, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?” Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?” 7 So he replied, “If the king wishes to honor someone, 8 he should bring out one of the king’s own royal robes, as well as the king’s own horse with a royal emblem on its head. 9 Instruct one of the king’s most noble princes to dress the man in the king’s robe and to lead him through the city square on the king’s own horse. Have the prince shout as they go, ‘This is what happens to those the king wishes to honor!’” 10 “Excellent!” the king said to Haman. “Hurry and get the robe and my horse, and do just as you have said for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the gate of the palace. Do not fail to carry out everything you have suggested.” 11 So Haman took the robe and put it on Mordecai, placed him on the king’s own horse, and led him through the city square, shouting, “This is what happens to those the king wishes to honor!” 12 Afterward Mordecai returned to the palace gate, but Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated. 13 When Haman told his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends what had happened, they said, “Since Mordecai—this man who has humiliated you—is a Jew, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue to oppose him.” (Esther 6:1-3,6-13 NLT).
Did the scripture not state in 1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV) that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”? Related reading can be found under OF MANSIONS AND STRUCTURES.
6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all .......... who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus – the people of Mordecai (Esther 3:6 NKJV)
13 Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. 14 There was a small town with only a few people living in it, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. 15 There was a poor, wise man living there who knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought any more about him. 16 Then I realized that though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor. What they say will not be appreciated for long. 17 But even so, the quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish king. 18 A wise person can overcome weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good. (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 NLT)
As if the impact of Mordecai’s role in the life of Esther and King Xerxes was not enough, he played a role in averting genocide.
7 Mordecai told him the whole story and told him how much money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction ......... 8 Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews, and he asked Hathach to show it to Esther. He also asked Hathach to explain it to her and to urge her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. 9 So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai’s message. (Esther 4:7-9 NLT)
There is an old saying that goes thus: Watch your conduct to the people you come across on your way up; (why?) because you will meet them again on your way down. If only Haman had kept that in mind.
3 Now once more Esther came before the king, .......... 5 and said, “If Your Majesty is pleased with me and if he thinks it is right, send out a decree reversing Haman’s orders .......... (Esther 8:3,5 NLT)
1 ........... the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them (Esther 9:1 NKJV).
Eventually
4 ......... Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent (Esther 9:4 NKJV)
2 His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia (Esther 10:2 NLT)
Talking about the stone that the builders rejected which has become the chief cornerstone, the hero of Calvary deserves to be mentioned. He was born in a manger, and into a family at a lower rung of the social ladder (unlike Moses who was raised in the palace of the Egyptian Monarch). Healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, catering for the spiritual and physical needs of those he came across were notable traits of his earthly ministry. As commendable as his deeds were, he was considered by some individuals as a glutton, a winebibber, and a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 7:34). The miracles he performed were discredited and discounted as sorcery through demonic forces (Matthew 25:10 and 25:24-27). He performed a jaw-dropping miracle of deliverance in the country of the Gergesenes, only to be told to depart from the region (Matthew 8:28-34). His ministry was under the pressure of rejection and disbelief from individuals that was least expected of (John 6:60-66; and 7:45-52; and 7:1-9). More readings on Jesus Christ and the challenges to his earthly ministry can be found under STAND FIRM REGARDLESS! ENJOY!
The ‘behind-the-scene’ tendency of his personality trait was noted by those who knew him.
20 Then he sternly warned them not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah (Matthew 16:20 NLT).
36 Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news, 37 for they were completely amazed. Again and again they said, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even heals those who are deaf and mute.” (Mark 7:36-37 NLT)
55 And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. (Luke 8:55-56 NLT)
According to Hebrews 9:22 “nearly everything was purified by sprinkling with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” (NLT) Someone had to leave the splendour and majesty of heaven, take up the lowly garment of humanity, and accept the status of a sacrificial lamb. None of the angels considered that an enviable task. Yet Jesus Christ – the Lamb of God - stepped forward and bore the burden of our sins. An adage goes thus: Fools walk where angels fear to tread. If that were the case, the Lord Jesus discarded his divine status of royalty and took up the unenviable appearance of a fool in order to accomplish God’s purpose.
7 He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.......... 26 He came once for all time, at the end of the age, to remove the power of sin forever by his sacrificial death for us (Philippians 2:7-8,26 NLT).
Think he’s got an enviable task? Well, if being forsaken is part of your idea of enviable task that is. While enduring such agonizing pain when he was on the cross, “at about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT)
The unenviable task of the Rejected Stone (also known as the Lamb of God) brought forth glory and honour to Divinity and victory for humanity. Needless to say, it spelled D-O-O-M for the powers of darkness.
14 Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:14–15 NKJV).
And the rejected stone became the chief cornerstone. Behold!
2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and unroll it?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it. 4 Then I wept because no one could be found who was worthy to open the scroll and read it. 5 But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has conquered. He is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals.” 6 I looked and I saw a Lamb that had been killed but was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. ............. 7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. 8 And as he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense—the prayers of God’s people! 9 And they sang a new song with these words:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 And you have caused them to become God’s Kingdom and his priests. And they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the singing of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
“The Lamb is worthy—the Lamb who was killed. He is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They also sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped God and the Lamb. (Revelation 5:2-14 NLT)
The rejected stone is now the chief cornerstone of our faith. This same Jesus is the pillar of our belief. He is our sure and strong foundation.
11 For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have—Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11 NLT)
What a friend and pacesetter we have in Jesus!
5 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7 He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11 NLT)
But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would never have crucified our glorious Lord (1 Corinthians 2:8 NLT).
Earlier on, mentioned was made of Mordecai whose deeds brought honour to the Most High God and was of immense benefit to others. Yet circumstances brought his way the likes of Haman who dealt him unfavourable hands. More often than not, as a believer you may find yourself in situations that reminds one of Mordecai. Those occasions bring all kinds of questions to mind. Even though weariness and anguish of spirit sets in, cursing your luck is not advisable. Watch the kind of thought you entertain “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV).
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37 NKJV).
13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the LORD.
“But you say, ‘What do you mean? How have we spoken against you?’
14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD Almighty that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will say, “Blessed are the arrogant.” For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them go free of harm.’” 16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him. 17 “They will be my people,” says the LORD Almighty. “On the day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient and dutiful child. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (Malachi 3:13-18 NLT)
6 ............ for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrew 11:6 NKJV)
9 So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. 10 Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters (Galatians 6:9-10 NLT)
Furthermore on the subject of rejected stone, let’s not forget Joseph. That’s right, the eleventh son of Jacob whose story is chronicled in Genesis chapters 37,39 to 40. The one who was maliciously captured by his ten older brothers because of what some might have misconstrued as the youngster’s garrulous tendencies. While operating under the misconception that the wonderful plan of God for his future could be crushed under the burden of hardship, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. After all, who wants blood on the hands when money can go into the wallets? Needless to say, elimination by death would have brought blood on their hands. On the other hand, getting rid of him via slave trade brought money into their pockets. The wandering Ishmaelite traders took him down to Egypt where he had the fortune of being sold to Potiphar who happened to be the captain of the guard in the palace of Pharaoh. Not even his brothers could have seen that coming. If they had – with their selfish attitude – they probably would have preferred to sell themselves to the traders instead of their brother. While in the household of Potiphar, the hand of God that was mighty upon him spoke loud and clear for itself. The royal officer trusted him so much that “he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority” (39:4). Just as good fortune appeared to be smiling on Joseph in the household of the palace official, he got on the wrong side of Potiphar’s wife. His ‘audacity’ to have refused to “do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (39:9) and against his master was not without a price. It cost him his freedom as well as his job and the perk that came with it. His incarceration did not diminish the mercy of the LORD on him. He was soon at the helm of affairs. Compared to the conditions that exist in a maximum-security prison, Joseph’s confinement seemed more like a house arrest. Due to circumstances that tended more towards divine appointment than mere chance, he came across two royal officials (the butler and the baker) in prison custody. Through the butler, one thing led to the other that culminated in Joseph being brought before the king. This marked the turning point in his life. His God-given ability to interpret dreams as well as his God-honouring talent in offering seemingly simple yet insightful ideas on issues landed him a soft spot with the monarch. The LORD who “gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (39:21) also gave him favour in the eyes of the king of Egypt who was delighted to bestow on him vast power and authority; only the Pharaoh’s status was greater than Joseph’s. Only “the LORD who was with him” and “made all he did to prosper” (39:3) could have scripted Joseph’s life, itinerary and encounters perfectly. Left to his brothers and Potiphar’s wife, Joseph would have perished and the memories of him long forgotten.
10 “......... But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised........... 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:10,11 NLT).
Joseph’s esteemed position and resourceful character helped the Egyptians fare well during the seven years of famine. Other nations benefited as well as citizens of other countries who were hit hard by the famine travel to Egypt to buy some food (41:46-57). His father’s household benefited as well (42). Did the scripture not state: “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger”? (Psalm 8:2 NKJV)
An adage goes thus: He who laughs last, laughs longest, laughs best. Can you think of a more befitting ending to Joseph’s story? Further reading on Joseph and his brothers can be found under OF INTERVENTION AND DIVINITY. Correlated reading can be found under A FISHY STORY ABOUT DIRECTION.
9 Now Jabez was more honourable than his brothers, ........... 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:9,10 NKJV)
8 Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. 9 Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 10 In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power is his forever and ever. Amen. 12 ............ My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens. (1 Peter 5:8-11,12 NLT)
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (Matthew 21:42 NKJV)
Before I conclude, here are some poetic phrases the Lord laid upon my heart as I write this piece. The words formed in my mind – impromptu, unrehearsed - as I typed and I believe it’s worth sharing with you. It’s worth keeping in mind as it may become useful in those odd moments of our lives. Here goes:
Are you dejected
‘Cause you are rejected?
Take heart my friend
It’s not the very end.
The Lord is on the throne
You are still His very own.
Your situation may be the stepping stone
That sets the vibrant tone
For your rise to the throne!
God bless.
Yours
Adekunle Majek’
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality & excellence
That’s the Spirit!
P.S. I believe this piece has been of immense blessing to you. How about sharing it with others?
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