What's in a name? (#2)

When it comes to God, if we ask the question “what’s in a name?” the answer is simply, “Everything.”

This is my second in a series of posts that is a reflection of something I have been practicing personally that has been helpful for me. Each day I look at a name of God and what it means, the implications for life and for me, and letting it lead me to worship. It helps me to focus on the one who is bigger than me and is worthy of my trust. Last time I looked at what it meant that Jesus is by comforter. There is another name that is interesting and one that probably does not get enough attention in today’s environment.

CORNERSTONE: In the ancient world, any building that was constructed using stone had a cornerstone. This stone was absolutely crucial to the structure. It was the first stone. Every other block was set in reference to this stone. This stone determined the position of the entire structure and brought stability to the building. Ancient people began a practice of putting key treasures or good luck charms in or under that all-important cornerstone. Even though actual cornerstones are largely symbolic in modern construction, we still speak of people as cornerstones. They are key, important, critical to an organization or group of people.

When I think of Jesus as our cornerstone, it means that he must come first. It means that Jesus is the reference point to which we need to set all the other blocks of our life. If we don’t, the structure of our life gets all wonky and off-kilter. It means if Jesus is our reference point then he is the one on which we should base decisions, actions and beliefs. When we do, he will make our lives into the structure he designed. He will give stability. He will be one who anchors everything in place and keeps our lives from crumbling.

It also means that working at odds with Jesus is counterproductive. The decisions and actions of my life are best when they are based on Jesus and his ways.

Jesus, thank you for being our cornerstone. The cornerstone of our church. The cornerstone of each of our lives. Thank you for being the solid, stabilizing presence that we need. Help us to base our life on you as the cornerstone and trust that you can support the weight of our fears, worries and problems.