Stones in a wall

Scripture

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.   (1 Peter 2:4-5 MSG)

Stones in a wall

The cross you see in the header was carved by my friend Steve. He also constructed the dry-stone base that surrounds the cross. During construction he had stones spread around the cross – “How do you choose a stone?” I asked. “Each stone knows where it is supposed to go” was his quiet and playful answer.

Now I’m not sure about the self-awareness of rocks. In fact, many times I apparently have comparable self-awareness. The other morning, I was reflecting on Jesus telling Peter he was a foundational rock for the future of the faith. He too had some self-awareness issues.

In his dotage Peter saw us all as stones who have the desire to be built into the sanctuary of the faith. But it is a big sanctuary with many stones of many types. I look out from my spot in the wall and am glad to be part of it. But I’m only one part, with a narrow understanding of the whole.

I can serve in my place, in cooperation with all the other parts that make the whole.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving Cornerstone, you draw us together as individual building stones to be made a unity of your vision and mercy. Help me as I look out from my spot in the wall to offer what I can that serves your purposes. Keep me aware that the whole is so much bigger, and my strength is in being connected by your Spirit to the others you are building into the faith. …. For Jesus’ sake.