During our History class as an architecture student, we were taught the various elements of historical structures. One of them was the cornerstone, interchangeably known as the keystone. It is the stone wedged at the top of an arch; and by the effects of gravity this stone holds the arch in place. It is so strong that it is able to withstand the weight of other stones that rest on the arch. My mind grappled with the definition as a corner means otherwise.
Until recently as I read more books, in context I learned the origin of the word cornerstone that has shed more light—therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious CORNERSTONE, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’1
Similarly, I have come to accept that knowledge is partial, progressive, and conditional. As we purposely search we learn more. We should not settle for hearsay—that would be like the blind leading the blind. There is a standard that we are to adhere to. Just as musicians tune their instruments listening to a tuning fork, we have biblical truth to grow us in our faith. This is the rub: each time we encounter truth we face a fork in the road. We are to choose—Believe or disbelieve? Obey or disobey?
A drowning person cannot save oneself. Likewise, we cannot do life alone apart from the saving hand of Jesus (And married couples can attest?!). Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.2
Marriage was God’s idea. He created man for a purpose; and a woman to help man fulfill that purpose. Then man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.3
To those that believe we are one in Christ. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the CORNERSTONE, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.4
In a nutshell, our marriage is to reflect the glory of God. We are to prepare for the time that we—as adopted children,5 accepted by the Beloved,6 made part of His body, His bride—shall rejoice and be glad as we are joined to the Lamb. The book of Revelation states, Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.7
Notes:
1. Isaiah 28:16
2. Matthew 11:28-30
3. Genesis 2:23-24
4. Ephesians 2:19-21
5. John 1:12-13
6. Ephesians 1:6
7. Revelation 19:7
Amazing how God, as the chief architect of the Creation, uses architectural wonders as evidence of His magnificence to illustrate His purpose, His good intentions, and His assurance. So we can be partakers of His eternal love, and be instruments to share that love to others.
Great blog, George!