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Stepping Stone, Stumbling Block, or Doormat
I Peter 2: 6 – 8
For the scripture says, “I chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe: “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.” And another scripture says, “This is the stone that will make people stumble, the rock that will make them fall.” They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God’s will for them.
It seems fitting that Peter (the Rock) should pull together three Old Testament prophecies which all use the analogy of a stone as a figure for Jesus. He links Isaiah 28: 16 – “This, now, is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, ‘Faith that is firm is also patient.’”; Psalm 118: 22 – “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.” ; and Isaiah 8: 14, 15 – “Because of my awesome holiness I am like a stone that people stumble over; I am like a trap that will catch the people of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel and the people of Jerusalem. Many will stumble; they will fall and be crushed. They will be caught in a trap.”
Jesus is pictured as both a cornerstone and a stumbling block. After two thousand years of hindsight, we probably have little difficulty seeing Jesus as a cornerstone. A vital relationship with Jesus is foundational to our lives as Christians. Apart from Him we can do nothing; we are nothing. “In Him we live and move and exist.” (Acts 17: 228)
But Jesus a stumbling block? Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14: 6) How could He be a stumbling block? If He is not of primary importance in my life, He will be a stumbling block. “He must become more important while I become less important.” (John 3: 30) If I try to chart my own course, He is a stumbling block. “We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” (Proverbs 16: 1) When I try to live the Christian life under my own strength, He is a stumbling block. “I don’t do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do.” (Romans 7: 19)
Could Jesus have been viewed as a doormat? I strongly suspect the answer is “Yes.” I can just imagine the fiercely independent, nationalistic listeners in His audience when He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are the meek – the poor in spirit – the peacemakers.” “That’s nonsense; you’re selling out to the Romans; you’re just trying to save your own skin. You want me to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, love my enemies! No way! I believe in standing up for my rights. If I don’t take up for myself, who will?” There were surely some who saw Jesus as a doormat; some still do.
But the story didn’t end two thousand years ago in the Middle East. Each day I must choose my role. Will I be a doormat, a stumbling block, or a stepping stone?
Lord,
Please live Your life through me. Fill me daily with Your gentle Spirit. Use me as a stepping stone. Strengthen me to carry the loads that You will send. And Lord, I know that all those feet stepping on me will polish my surface so that I will one day shine with Your radiance and Your love.
In Jesus name, Amen
Rev. Dr. Bobbie Yellott
Associate Regional Minister for Louisiana
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