5-24-07 Isaiah 28:16

Isaiah 28:16 (JPS)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 (NAS)
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

Isaiah 28:16 (NIVUS)
So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "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.

Isaiah 28:16 (NRSV)
therefore thus says the Lord GOD, See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: "One who trusts will not panic."

Adonai, the Lord God, has laid a foundation which is fixed and established in Zion. Even though Zion was a dry and parched place, God chose it as a signpost and monument to His glory. He chose it as the place where He would build His house and His family.

He began with a Stone that the builders rejected. This Stone appeared common in appearance, but really was very precious. It was a Stone of strength, firmness, and solidity. God tried and tested this Stone. He examined and scrutinized Him. And He proved that He was indeed valuable, precious, and glorious. He esteemed it highly and made it the Chief Corner Stone, the Stone on which the remainder of His building rested. The Chief Corner Stone held up every other stone, keeping them all in place and preventing them from collapse.

Whoever falls upon this Stone, submitting to His will, finds himself in a fixed and established place. He remains firm because he is totally supported. He is nourished, carried, and fostered. He can trust and rely totally on the Chief Corner Stone, for He is faithful. As a living stone, the man of God does not need to make haste or to act quickly from fear. His position is sure and lasting!

Who is this Chief Corner Stone? He is Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. He holds you up and holds you together.