✨ The Rejected Stone Who Became the Cornerstone ( Psalm 118:22–23)
Share
A Deep Reflection on Psalm 118:22–23
“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
— Psalm 118:22–23 (NKJV)
Introduction: Rejected, Yet Chosen
Rejection is one of the most painful human experiences. Whether it’s from people, opportunities, or even from the world, it leaves a deep mark. But in Psalm 118:22–23, we find a stunning reversal of what rejection looks like in God’s eyes.
God takes what the world throws away—and turns it into the very thing that holds everything together.
This psalm prophetically speaks about Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our salvation. Although He was rejected by men, He was chosen by God to be the firm foundation upon which eternal life is built. These two verses carry profound meaning—not only about who Jesus is, but also about what God wants to do in your life.
Part 1: Understanding Psalm 118 in Context
Psalm 118 is a song of victory and thanksgiving. It was likely sung during Jewish feasts and triumphal processions. It proclaims the Lord’s enduring love, His deliverance, and the joy of those who trust in Him.
Verses 22–23 are at the heart of this celebration:
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a building. It was the first laid and determined the structure’s alignment and stability.
When the psalmist declares that the rejected stone has become the cornerstone, he’s declaring a divine reversal: something (or someone) dismissed by man has become central to God’s plan.
Part 2: Jesus—The Fulfillment of the Cornerstone Prophecy
This prophecy in Psalm 118:22–23 is directly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He quoted this verse Himself in Matthew 21:42, after telling a parable that exposed how the religious leaders would reject Him.
Later, both Peter and Paul referenced this same verse:
-
Acts 4:11 – Peter says to the religious rulers,
“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.”
-
1 Peter 2:7 –
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
and those who believe in Him will never be put to shame.
Jesus was the ultimate rejected stone:
-
Rejected by His hometown
-
Rejected by the religious elite
-
Rejected by crowds that once praised Him
-
Betrayed and crucified
Yet through that very rejection, God exalted Him. Jesus rose from the grave and became the foundation of our salvation—the One on whom God is building His eternal kingdom.
“This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
God’s plan all along was to bring redemption through rejection.
Part 3: What This Means For You Today
1. God Can Redeem Your Rejection
Have you ever been rejected? Maybe by people you trusted, by family, by society, or even by yourself?
Psalm 118:22 reminds us that rejection is not the end of the story. God is a Redeemer. The very things that seem like setbacks—God can use them to establish your foundation in Him.
Jesus understands your pain. He was despised, mocked, and crucified. But rejection did not define Him—His resurrection did.
The same is true for you.
2. Build Your Life on the True Cornerstone
The world builds on shifting sand—success, wealth, status, relationships. But everything in life changes, and if we’re not anchored in something eternal, we’ll collapse under pressure.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone. He is stable, eternal, and strong.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:11
When you build your life on Him, you're not just building for today—you’re building for eternity.
3. This Is the Lord’s Doing
Sometimes we struggle to understand what God is doing—especially when life feels upside down. But Psalm 118 reminds us: God’s ways are higher than ours.
“This was the Lord’s doing.”
Jesus' rejection and suffering were not accidental; they were part of a greater plan. If God could turn crucifixion into resurrection, He can turn your pain into purpose.
When you don’t understand what’s happening in your life, trust in the One who is still working. One day you’ll look back and say, “It was the Lord’s doing—and it is marvelous.”
Part 4: Personal Application
This verse calls for more than just admiration. It calls for a decision.
💬 Ask Yourself:
-
Have I built my life on the cornerstone, Jesus?
-
Am I still looking for acceptance from “builders” who may never approve of me?
-
Am I ready to trust the One who was rejected for my sake?
If Jesus was rejected for you, will you receive Him today?
A Message of Hope for the Brokenhearted
You may feel unwanted. You may be battling thoughts that say you’re not good enough. You may be exhausted trying to fit in, be accepted, or find your place.
But here’s the truth:
You are already chosen.
You are already accepted.
You already have a place—built upon the Cornerstone.
God sees what others miss. He sees worth where others see weakness. And He invites you to step out of rejection and into redemption.
Salvation Prayer: Build Your Life on Jesus
Jesus is not just a cornerstone in theory—He wants to be the cornerstone of your life.
If you’ve never surrendered your heart to Him, this is your moment. Don’t wait for perfect understanding or a perfect life. Come just as you are.
Say this prayer with a sincere heart:
🙏 Salvation Prayer
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, the cornerstone of life. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising again in power. I confess that I’ve tried to live on my own terms. I’ve been broken, rejected, and lost. But today, I surrender. I receive Your forgiveness, Your love, and Your new life. Be my foundation, my Savior, and my Lord. From this day on, I want to build everything on You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.”
You Are Now Part of Something Eternal
If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God. You are no longer rejected—you are chosen, forgiven, and loved. You are now being built into a spiritual house, with Jesus as your foundation.
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…”
— 1 Peter 2:5
Final Encouragement
Jesus was rejected so you could be accepted.
He was cast aside so you could be brought in.
He became the cornerstone so your life could finally stand secure.
So today, no matter where you are in life—remember this:
“This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
Trust Him. Build your life on Him. And watch what He can do with a rejected stone like you.
✨ Rejection is not the end. It might just be the beginning of something marvelous.