Day 15 & 16 - Stop Trippin'

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.  1 Peter 2:7-8

Many desire a walk of fame, glory; a religion that preaches happiness and good feelings.  They do not desire a “crosswalk” where self-denial and service to others is order of the day.  Those who walked with Jesus were offended by His walk.  They saw His walk as one of that should have been done with fame and glory.  They argued over seats, position and power.  They could not bear to see it all go down the drain via Calvary.  The Gospels record the many times they skinned shins and bruised knees stumbling over Him.

God is either our stumbling block or our cornerstone.  There is no in between.  If we are not properly aligned with God in a particular area, we stumble all over Him.  He becomes the barrier to our desires and lusts.  Too often have I been offended by God when I wanted to have certain friends or other things and He would not allow it.  So if I keep tripping, something is wrong with me.

Yet the writer of Hebrew states, “Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross”.  Our Lord and Savior found joy in the most miserable place on earth.  The very thing we avoid, He embraced.   Please note, there is only one place designated for the Cornerstone.  If not in its proper place, we will stumble over it repeatedly.  After a while, it gets to be quite painful.  God is not denying us victory and power (He desires that for us) but He says we will get these things by placing the foundational cornerstone in its proper place.

Check your shins.  Take a look at your knees.  Are you kicking against the prick?  Are you submitted?  Like Christ, the joy of the cross set before you will carry you through many a dark day, through proper placement.  Put Him first, that's where He belongs and stop trippin’!


Prayer
Father, I do not like saying no to myself daily, but because of the joy You have set before me I surrender.  I embrace my cross-walk today and look for my victory and power tomorrow. Amen.

Go Deeper?
Psalms 37:37; Psalms 118; Matthew 21:42-46; Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 9:22-26; 1Corinthians 1:18-29; Hebrew 12:1-3