DCLM Daily Manna 23 December 2021 — Rejection of the cornerstone
DCLM Daily Manna 23 December 2021 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Rejection of the cornerstone
TOPIC: REJECTION OF THE CORNERSTONE
TEXT: Mark 12:1-12
1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
6 Having yet therefore one son, his well beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.
8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
11 This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
KEY VERSE:
“And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner.” – (Mark 12:10)
In this parable, Christ spoke about the vineyard, husbandmen and the servants. The parable is about Israel’s rejection of Jesus. God is the Owner of the vineyard and He expects fruits from it. The vineyard is Israel and the husbandmen are the religious leaders of Israel. The servants sent are prophets of God throughout the history of Israel. The Son is Jesus Christ, who they killed; thereby fulfilling the Scriptures.
Also Read Condition for God’s Presence
The story reveals the husbandmen’s confrontation with the Owner of the vineyard. The Owner wielded His well-known ancient attributes of patience, perseverance and love in response. Repeatedly, the husbandmen rejected the overtures of the Owner and maltreated His servants “beating some and killing some”. In His final attempt to make the husbandmen see reason, He sent His only Son, hoping that “they will reverence [Him]”. Instead, they decided to inherit the vineyard by killing the Son.
Also Read Half-Hearted Change
This was a prophecy concerning Jesus’ treatment and rejection by the Jewish leaders. He was rejected by men but was glorified by the Father and made the head Corner stone. Though He knew He would be killed by the leaders of Israel, He was bold and courageous in adversity and still fulfilled His mission.
Also Read Bible Doctrine
As followers of Jesus, we must have the same courage to preach, stand for the truth and defend the doctrines of the Bible until the end. Those who accept the Cornerstone are called into His marvellous light and all concerning them will be fulfilled. But doom and damnation await all unrepentant sinners who contemn the salvation of God. It is better for them to repent now as the love and mercy of God is still available.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If you reject Him as Saviour, you will meet Him as Judge.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jude
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
