When my children were young, their grandmother bought them a playset. The set showed up on pallets stacked with seemingly random pieces of lumber and plastic. It could only function as intended if each piece was assembled into the correct place. Each board, screw, or plastic panel had a purpose.
God is also involved in a building project. Instead of lumber, the Lord uses stones as His material. As we come to Jesus, He makes us into “living stones” (v. 5). That is, He puts new life into us. The purpose is to build us up into a “spiritual house” (v. 5). The analogy here relates to the Old Testament temple, which was made of stones and was the place where God’s glory dwelt in Israel. Now, Jesus is the manifestation of God’s glory on earth. He is the “living Stone” (v. 4) as opposed to the lifeless stones of the first temple. As we come to Jesus, He makes us into a new, spiritual temple, and God’s own presence dwells within us (1 Cor. 3:17; 6:19).
Peter asserts that whenever anyone comes to Christ, a new stone is added to the spiritual house. This is a strong affirmation of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Today, all believers—not just priests—have access to God’s presence. All can offer sacrifices in worship (v. 5). All believers have a place in God’s mission to the world.
Not everyone will accept this message. Peter quotes from another important Old Testament passage: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v. 7; Ps. 118:22). Some reject the message, but those who believe have the task of witnessing to the nations—“that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v. 9).
Go Deeper
What does it mean that Jesus has made us into “living stones”? What role has He given you in building His kingdom?
Pray with Us
You are the ultimate builder, Lord! We praise You that even when we don’t understand what You are doing, You have a plan and are using us for Your perfect purpose.
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.1 Peter 2:10
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