“22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
23 By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.”
Jesus-Elijah //
Each was God’s chosen instrument.
Each was an apparent failure.
Elijah
Performed powerful signs
but Jezebel swore to have him killed
1 Kings 19:4-5 “4 …[Elijah] went a day’s journey into the wilderness, until he came to a solitary broom tree and sat beneath it.
He prayed for death: “Enough, Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”
Jesus knew from the beginning that he would suffer, die (and rise).
Matthew 21:42 “42 Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’?”
Does God prefer losers?
underdogs?
… I don’t think so, but he does seem to work with people who recognize
exactly who is the source of grace, strength and ultimate victory.
Scripture shows us such people again and again
Elijah - it is enough, Lord! … the angel said to him, Get up, be on your way
Moses: Exodus 3:11 “11 … said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”” …God said to him, “I will be with you.”
Isaiah: Isaiah 6:5 “5 … said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”” … the angel said now your guilt is removed, your sin purged.
and many more.
The paradox of discipleship
God chooses the weak to confound the strong.
Even Jesus, though he was God, remained true to his mission of submission to human tyrants. By dying, he has destroyed our death and given life to those who trust in him.
