I’m sorry I could not resist the title above. This topical study on stones in the Bible is wrapping up at an appropriate time, the Thursday and Friday before Easter. I have moved from stones as memory markers to stones of help and will finish tomorrow with the stone that was rolled away when Jesus rose from the grave.
I began with study of literal stones and now am exploring what the NIV Naves’s Topical Bible calls the figurative and symbolic use of stones. In 1 Corinthians 10: 4 Paul says, “they all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”
The New Bible Commentary and the notes in my NIV Study Bible explain what Paul is speaking about. The manna given to the Israelites and the water from the rock were provisions directly from God while they wandered in the wilderness. Moses continually wrestled with the Israelites trying to convince them that God would take care of them. Paul is saying that what they were given was more than food and water, it was spiritual food and drink from the spiritual rock, Jesus Christ, and that He accompanied them on their journey.
The commentary emphasizes that Jesus was there from the beginning (Jn. 1:2-4), He upholds all things (Col 1:17) and He was involved with God’s people in the Old Testament times as he is with God’s people (Christians) today. In Revelation chapter 2 verse 17 it says: “to him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”
Here are some other wonderful verses about Jesus and stones:
1 Co. 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 28:16 “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.”
Psalm 118:22 "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone."
Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
As I read these verses I wonder why the cross is the dominant symbol worn by Christians as jewelry or adornment. Stones were used in the Old Testament as memory pillars and landmarks, the Israelites drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, the one who overcomes will be given a stone with a new name, Jesus is our cornerstone! It seems it would be appropriate to wear a small rock or smooth stone or perhaps keep one in our pocket as a reminder of who Christ is and that He accompanies us everywhere. Jesus is the spiritual rock, the source of our manna and our water, our life and breath, our joy and our salvation!
Look for the conclusion of my thoughts on my topical study of stones tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment