October 10, 2010

Living Stones

Hodson-019T


Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

As you come to Him, the Living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone," and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.


But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 2: 1-11

5 comments:

penandview said...

I just read these verses this week. Hmmm...
Your pictures reminded me of the truth that if we don't praise Him, even the rocks will cry out in praise.

Tracy P. said...

The shift in focus between the two photos strikes me because of the way it illustrates the truth of the passage. The house is being built from the many stones, all equally (though uniquely) beautiful and valuable--but there is one cornerstone, the only one truly worthy of special focus and glory. Thanks for using your photos of God's amazing creation to declare his glory, Susan!

Christine said...

That passage is encouraging to me, thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

Inspiring. Every week you challenge me. Thank you.

Anita Johnson said...

Perfect pairing of images and verse!