The Cornerstone

Many people have wondered about the material which God is going to use to construct the heavenly temple. Some think it is gold, emerald, jasper, silver, etc. But what is the answer?

In order for us to understand the material to be used, we need to take a closer look on how Solomon’s temple was constructed, since it was a symbolic figure of the construction of the heavenly temple.

1 Kings 6:7 ‘ It gives us instruction on how this great temple was to be constructed. It was constructed of stones made ready from the quarry.

How was it Built?

Stones were prepared at the quarry, hammering, chiselling, squaring, polishing all was done at the quarry. No instrument was to be used upon the stone when brought to the place of construction. The workman had only to place each stone on its position prepared for it from the quarry. One stone of irregular shape was brought from the quarry to be used in the foundation of the temple, but the builders could not find a place for it and would not accept it. It lay there unused, they stumbled over it, greatly annoyed by its presence. Long it remained a rejected stone.

Laying of the Foundation

When they came to the laying of the cornerstone, a long time was spent in search of a stone of sufficient size, strength and shape to take that place and bear the weight. If the wrong choice of material was chosen, the building was in danger. The stone was supposed to be resistant to sun, frost and tempest. Several stones had been chosen, but failed, and scrambled to pieces. But there lay the stone so long rejected by the builders. It had endured the exposure to air and scorching rays of the sun without any seam or crack. Storms had beaten upon it, yet it remained the same.

The Rejected Stone

Finally the attention of the builders was drawn to this large rejected stone. They examined it closely. It had borne every test. They decided to accept it for the cornerstone. It perfectly fitted on its place. It was a symbol of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, according to Isaiah.
God, in His wisdom chose the cornerstone, and laid it Himself. The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and grief, yet it can endure them all.

Christ A Tried Stone

If Christ is the cornerstone, then we are to be the living stones. He will never disappoint those who trust in Him. He has borne every test imposed upon Him. He failed not in the wilderness of temptation. He became more than a conqueror. Christ is represented by the cornerstone. Both Jews and Gentiles may build upon it. Their connection with Christ makes them living stones. Our only safety is in building upon this true foundation which is Christ, the Living Stone.

The Quarry

This earth is the quarry, where we are to be fitted for heaven. As the stones of Solomon?s temple need not a touch of hammer or chisel, so will be the resurrected saints and the living righteous at the time of His coming. All the hewing, fitting, polishing of character, must be done during man?s probation. Christ comes not to refine and purify character, but to take them to heaven. Many persons are hewed and polished and beautified by their own endeavours, but they will never become living stones, because they are not connected with Christ. When the rain falls, the tempest rages, and floods come, they will fall in ruin. Character purification cannot be accomplished without pain in our flesh. It is not an easy thing to be pressed on a grinder so that the roughness of character may be removed. Many people complain and murmur when they are pressed on the grinder. They think that it is the enemy?s hand and like Jacob they wrestle with the Lord?s instrument, which is used to perfect them. Let us all remember that God gives His people a bitter cup to drink and that cup may be made more bitter by complaining and murmuring. It can be sweetened by patiently taking it without complaining. Let it be known that it is not an easy thing for a person to be approved and owned of God. Look at the experience which Abraham went through, which made him later on to be called the father of faith. Look at Joseph and Paul, just to mention a few. We must have experiences of our own so as to be approved by God.

The Heavenly Temple

No noise of chisels or hammer was allowed at Solomon?s temple. No character purification will take place in heaven. All have been qualified while they were living upon the earth. They match Christ, the Cornerstone. Now is the time for us to purify our characters, in heaven no more character purification. But we will all be fitted into our position, which we were qualified for whilst we were living up on the earth. So next time when you come across temptations, hardships, trials, and difficulties in life, don?t complain. But rather give thanks unto the Lord. Remember it is only the stone which contains gold which is put into the furnace. If you find yourself in the furnace of affliction, praise God for you are a rich and important stone, and God will be moulding you so that you may fit into your place in heaven.

The heavenly temple is a living temple, and it is constructed of living stones from the quarry. This earth is the quarry. It is here we are to be fitted for heaven. But that work cannot happen without pain and sacrifice. It was not easy for Christ, the Cornerstone, hence it cannot be easy for you and me. Let us strive to be there by allowing the Master Worker to mould us according to His will. Like Jeremiah, we must be able to say, ‘You are the Potter and I am the clay. Have Thine own way Lord.’
AMEN.

D Gwina, Zimbabwe