Precious

In our eyes there is a complete absurdity of being called a living stone. An object that is solid, hard, and, more often than not, cold to the touch. How then, can one be called to be a living stone?

The stones that are written about in this scripture are not the small stones one might find at the side of the road, or from a river, but stones that have been meticulously shaped until the stone mason is pleased with them. However, any flaw in the structural integrity of that stone will cause it to be rejected.

These imperfections are mirrored in our own lives and the rejection felt is a very real response to the perception of cold and hard verdicts made for a plethora of reasons, that may feel unjust, and may cause us to stumble.

However, we are called as living stones. Our lives mirror that of Christ. Through Christ we can allow ourselves to be moulded and shaped by his word. In his sight we have received mercy. We are chosen and we are precious, regardless of our flaws.

Heavenly father, I bring these things to you in the hope and trust that you will help me to forgive those who I feel have brought judgement and persecution on me. Help me to understand why faith can be such a stumbling block. I ask for your forgiveness for my own response in these situations, and I ask that you would show me what it means to be precious and chosen in your sight.