A Sobering Punishment for a Lack of Worship

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:7c-8

This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

Insights:  Keep in mind that this week we are discussing the divisiveness of worship.  The past two days we have looked at the choice and precious corner stone, Jesus Christ, and our need to worship Him and Him only.  Our focus ought to not be on any other person or thing, but solely on the Lord.  To those of us who believe this corner stone, Jesus, is choice and precious; but as today’s verses point out, the story is quite different for non-believers.  This choice and precious stone becomes to them a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.  To use the language we have been using throughout this week, the stone becomes divisive between the lost and the saved.  I can understand the lost worlds frustrations with the gospel.  All other religions are works based, but Christianity is not.  Many of these other religions are inclusive and believe whatever path one wants to walk to the Lord is acceptable, but Christianity states that through Jesus is the one and only way to the Father.  It is because of this dogged rigidity that the lost world finds our faith offensive and a stumbling block.  As a result, the Christian community is persecuted and shunned in the media and the political world at large.  Our faith has caused families to divide and agree to disagree regarding this fundamental reality of our beliefs pertaining to Jesus and salvation.  Now, let me also state here that most believers would love to see those with whom division has occurred to become saved and for the relationship to be restored.  It is for this reason Believers pray for those who are in conflict with them.  They want to see these individuals come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.  We Believers also recognize the personal choice of each of these individuals and have at times experienced their separation from us.  If you are one that has allowed your view of Christians to push you way from the saving grace of Jesus, let me challenge you to review the facts regarding Him.  Let your search for the truth lead you straight into His arms and avoid the doom referenced in today’s verses because of your rejection of His love.  Don’t let division hinder you from knowing Jesus.

Questions:

1.  Are you one who is heading toward the doom of eternal judgment from the Lord?

2.  Is this kind of destiny what you truly desire?

Prayer: Father, when I read verses like these I am so grateful You saved me.  I pray that if anyone reads this blog and they do not have a relationship with Your Son, Jesus, that they will stop right now and ask Him to come into their lives and save their souls.  Amen.