The Cornerstone

"The stone which the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone." Psalms 118:22

One thing which is devastating to any human being is being rejected by friends, family and the society at large. It may lead to self-hate, lack of self-worth  or even lack of purpose for one's life; situations that lead to depression or even suicidal incidences. But funny enough or something that is amusing is that God uses the 'rejects' to do His work. He uplifts the lowly in the society. He uses the undermined to restore a nation; His favour is always with them.

Having said that, it is important to realise that rejection did not begin in this contemporary age. We will not be the first ones to be rejected neither will we be the last. The act of rejection will be experienced by different people in the world day in, day out and what is important is how we deal with it. How we counter rejection and turn it to favour. 

The men of God who were called to serve Him faced rejection from the people they led. Some faced rejection from their family members. Some from their closest friends. . But that did not stop them from being great men; from reaching what was destined for them by the Most High and most importantly, from seeking God's kingdom. Even Jesus was rejected by His own people  but still brought salvation to earth.

We start with Laban's daughter; Leah. She was detested by her own father who considered her sister more beautiful than her. Poor Leah had to endure pain and frustration for a long time but she became transformed once she focused on God's love for her and indeed God did favour her. Leah was the first to be married by Jacob and she bore more children compared to her sister Rachel. God blessed her womb.

Joseph was also rejected by his own brothers. They did not heed to his dreams but instead dismissed them. They rebuffed him to the point of selling him as a slave. But their actions did not hinder Joseph's star from shining. First he worked for Potiphar, and after Potiphar's wife made false allegations against him, he was sent to prison but did not stay long as he was able to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and was made the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph later helped his family when their land was faced with drought; he invited them to dine with him in the palace. He became the cornerstone of his family.

What of Noah? He was mocked by those he was meant to save. But nonetheless he built the ark as commanded by God. Same case applies to God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ. He was sent to the world to redeem the people of God; to establish a long-lasting relationship between God and man. Even though his mission was to save the world, he did not have it that easy. The Pharisees always criticised him especially when he performed miracles on the Sabbath; but he knew how to respond to them, using God's word. Those he had come to save also doubted him and when he was crucified, they mocked him. And despite all these, Jesus did God's will and he depended on Him till the end. And brought salvation and light to the world.

These incidences of people being rejected should be an inspiration to all of us. It does not matter who is against you, who has rejected you and who does not support you. What really matters is the presence of God which is with you and that which guides you in everything you do.

We are called to serve God in different and various fields. But no one, not even God, has promised that the road will be bumpy-less. We will face opposition, we will face rejection and all sorts of challenges will be served to us on a silver platter. But our hope should not be on  man. Our hope should be on God. 

Paul in his first letter to the Galatians said, "For am I now seeking the favour of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." This means that we should not aim at pleasing men but to please our God in everything  we do. We may get discouraged along the way but this should not deter us from accomplishing our mission here on earth. 

It doesn't matter who has rejected you. As long as God is on your side, you will become the Cornerstone for those who rebuffed you before. We may lack the power to avoid rejection but we do have the liberty to turn it to favour.

The stone which the builders have rejected, has become the Cornerstone...