A Rock of Redemption or a Stone to stumble on

1 Peter 2:1-10 NKJV

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, [2] as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. [4] Coming to Him as to a Living Stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, [5] you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A Chief Cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." [7] Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The Stone which the builders rejected Has become the Chief Cornerstone," [8] and "A Stone of Stumbling And a Rock of Offence." They stumble, being disobedient to the Word, to which they also were appointed. [9] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; [10] who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

In the midst of the joyous scenes of returning hostages, we hear of those, who, through entrenched sorrow and survivor's guilt, have committed suicide. What a tragedy to despise yourself so much that you take that fatal step into eternity.

This is Satan's "end game" which he meticulously plans out for humanity - to lie, steal, kill and destroy! Watch out for those deadly tactics....

Growing up I never felt special. This later grew into a bit of self loathing - wishing I'd never been born, turning in on myself and hiding away from people, except for from my mum and dad and some wonderful ones who I knew loved me.

It's been a long road of redemption, ripping up those foundational mindsets, reinforced by the evil one.

Jesus is My Rock of Redemption, the Living Stone on which I base my identity.

He actually picked me from before the foundation of the world and set His glorious, jewel encrusted love on me.

From time to time, when I tend to slip back into that self revulsion, He reminds me that He wants to be proud of me, like a precious stone, building me into His people, offering up spiritual sacrifices and bringing others into that priesthood too!

Don't stumble and fall over Jesus, build your life on Him. He is foundational to a life worth living, even in the darkest moments.

He's the One who will bring you out of darkness, whatever form it takes in your life, and, transform you into His Kingdom of Light.

Isaiah 28:16 NLT

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a Foundation Stone in Zion, a firm and tested Stone. It is a Precious Cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.