Cornerstone
Acts 4 continues the story of the perils the apostles faced as they continue to spread the word of salvation. Peter and John are in trouble with the priests. They were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead,” and to the dismay of those in power, the people were following them! Peter and John were brought before the rulers and elders and asked “By what power or what name did you do this?”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone,’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-12
Yes, one of my favorite contemporary songs is Cornerstone! If I’m lucky you will see a link to YouTube to listen to this song. If not, you can look up the Hillsong Live lyrics and listen. The refrain is fairly simple and repeats this scripture “Christ alone; cornerstone, weak made strong; in the Savior’s love, through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all.”
Reading this chapter in Acts reminds me to have courage. Peter and John were ordinary men who performed extraordinary tasks. It wasn’t just the miraculous healing that got them into trouble with the rulers and elders, but it was the meet and greets, spreading the word of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They were threatened, but remained faithful and continued to encourage others to spread the Good News.
Prayer
Dear Lord, on the days when it seems difficult to rejoice because we are just tired, or worried, or busy, please give us the courage to continue to live our faith and keep you in our hearts. Amen