In the sacred texts of Jewish history and law, stones were used in a variety of ways:

• hewn stones to build strong defensive walls around cities;

• stairstep stones which gave secure footing, especially in hilly or mountainous areas;

• skipping stones, you know—the kind you skip along the water;

• stacked stones which symbolized significant locations where man engaged with God;

• sling-shot stones—the kind David used against the giant; and

• stones of judgment, which were used to execute offenders of the law.

Well, the apostle Peter described another stone—one that was described in a variety of ways. You see, in his first letter to the network of first century Christian churches, Peter sought to articulate how the resurrection had ushered a new hope for those who faithfully awaited the Messiah. This living hope was evidenced by The One Who defeated death and was alive. Yet, Peter described Jesus as a stone. Stones don’t breathe; stones can’t be intentional; aren’t able to impact others—unless you’re a giant defying the armies of Israel. Just ask Goliath.

Anyway, I digress. The Stone Peter described Jesus as was actually an uncut stone with many facets. Here is how God breathed it into Peter’s mind:

• The Living Stone: Stones come alive in the hand of the one who holds it. Jesus came alive from the grave by the hand (or power) of God (Isaiah 26:19; Matthew 28:6);

• A chosen Stone: chosen from eternity past to be the Lamb—slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8);

• A precious Stone: Jesus’ death was precious in that it was the price of redemption for the sins or offenses of man. (Read Isaiah 53:4-6);

• A cornerstone: being the one by which all things hold together. (Read Isaiah 28:16; Colossians 1:16-17);

• A rejected stone: His own did not receive Him as the Messiah. (Read Psalm 118:22; Luke 6:46-49);

• A stumbling stone: People stumble over Him, the Light of the World, because they reject His message. (Read Isaiah 8:13-15, 28:16; 1 Peter 2:4-8).

So, are you going to throw stones at the evidence of Jesus’ life—the chosen and precious stone that became the cornerstone of the New Covenant? Will you, too, reject the Living Stone, or will you stumble over the permanence of His truth? Or will you stand upon the Rock of Ages?