Lent

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

(Psalm 118:22-23)

Jesus quoted this Psalm after undergoing another challenge from the Pharisees,

It was just a short time before his arrest and crucifixion and he used these words

to prophesy not only his death but his resurrection. The Apostle Peter would

again quote these words when he was arrested and brought before the

Sanhedrin. He reminded these leaders that though they had rejected Jesus God

had raised him and made him the way to salvation.

The Bible is full of stories of flawed leaders who became foundation stones in

lives of faithful people through time. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Sampson, King

David and more from the Old Testament are all people who had serious

character flaws but God did not reject them. In the New Testament again we think

of James and John and Peter, disciples with flaws. Paul admits to all of his

defects but look how God used him.

For me this is part of the good news of our faith. When I look at my life I focus

too fully on the flaws instead of remembering how God has used and is using

me. When I look at some others, it is easy to reject them because of life choices

they have made, instead of asking what God is doing in their lives.

Ours is a faith of redemption.  God takes what some might reject and uses it

for good, Our faith is peopled with examples of this. We follow One whom the

society of his day rejected, but God exalted. This reminds me that God never

rejects me. This is grace and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Let us pray.

Lord when I am feeling down remind me that you have not rejected

me. When I forget and put others down remind me that you love them and have

not rejected them. For we follow one who was rejected but became the chief

cornerstone of our faith. AMEN

Today’s devotional was written by Bill Green, and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.