¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. Isaiah 28:16

Yesterday at church we looked at Jesus Who was called a “Rock” (1 Corinthians 10:4). Today let’s see Him as a “Stone.”

Isaiah 28:16 speaks prophetically about Jesus Christ. He is described as the Stone. In this verse, He is called the foundation stone, the tested stone, the precious stone, the cornerstone, and the sure stone. He is all we need! Let’s look at these together:

·       Foundation Stone. Christ is the foundation of our salvation. In fact, Jesus Christ is the only foundation of our salvation. Paul said, ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). We must build our salvation upon this foundation or we will not have any salvation.

·       Tested Stone. Jesus was tested (“tried”) in His time on earth and He passed every test. He was tested severely by Satan shortly after His baptism, and He passed this test with flying colors. The cross itself was a test, which Jesus passed in the Garden of Gethsemane when He said, “yet not my will, but Yours be done.” When it comes to our soul salvation, we need to put our trust in that which is proven and trustworthy. And none is more proven and trustworthy than Jesus Christ.

·       Precious Stone: The word “precious” has a double meaning here. First, it means great value. When we speak of precious stones, we speak of stones of great value such as a diamond. Jesus is the Stone of greatest value for He is mighty to save. Second, it means great affection. We call our sweethearts “precious” because we love them. If there is anyone we should love, it is Jesus Christ; for He has saved us from eternal condemnation through His work on the cross. Oh how sweet it is to love Jesus, not merely believe in Him. Is He precious to you?

·       Corner Stone. The cornerstone in those days did two important things. First, it tied two walls together. This speaks of the mediator work of Christ Who brings us to God and unites us with Him. Second, it was the pattern of the entire building. The whole building was set up according to the cornerstone. Jesus is both our Mediator and the pattern we need to follow in life. We do this as He lives His life in us.

·       Sure Stone. “Sure” means something that will not fail. Christ will never fail. The salvation He provides for us will never fail. It will never let us down. The world makes great promises but fails miserably to fulfill them. But not so Jesus Christ. What He promises He does. You can count on that!