Living Stones

LIVING STONES

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“As you come to him, the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV

At this time of year my gratefulness is always refreshed for having found my way to the cross.  What a comfort and security to know forgiveness.  What a joy to be welcome in His presence.

Mixed with these blessings can run a thin vein of sorrow, however.  As His children, we are loved and embraced by the Father, but with that acceptance can come the rejection of man.

A heart in dogged pursuit of holiness and obedience, even without a look or single spoken word, can evoke anger, rejection and cruelty by those who still love their sin.

The Lord remembers how we are made.  In the garden He said that is was not good for man to be alone.  So He created Eve as a helpmate for Adam.  He designed us to live in community.  Rejection causes an aching of the soul.

Lord, Your Word says that we would be hated, because of You (Matt 10:22).

Father, comfort and console us.  Give us Your eyes to see Heaven’s perspective.  A searching heart sees Your children as a lighthouse of hope, but they are seen as a glaring, intrusive searchlight by those who hold fast to their love affair with the dark.  Exchange our hurt with compassion for the lost, who when confronted by their sin pull away from those shining the light.

Guard our hearts from fiery darts and wounding words. Turn up the flame of love within us, that insults may be countered with wisdom, and from our lips would pour grace, mercy and the saving Word of God.

Lord, strengthen us to stand with hearts ablaze, not with hatred, but with love.  And as we remember Your death and resurrection, as a royal priesthood, may we take up our cross and follow You.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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