John sauntered along the forest path, J1’ hands in pockets, going his own way. Suddenly, he stumbled over something, He looked down and saw a small stone in the path. “I don’t want it there,” thought John and he gave it a good strong kick with his toe.
Oh, but it hurt! It wasn’t a small stone really, but a very big one with just the top showing. John has a sore toe, and the stumbling stone is still there.
The Apostle Paul made a mistake like that when he was young. He kicked against an object which was far beyond the power of any man or boy. He hated those who loved the Lord Jesus, and he was so exceedingly mad against them that he tried to get rid of them in every possible way. But a light from heaven stopped him on one of his wild journeys, and a voice said, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
Yes, Paul hurt himself, and the Christians whom he hated grew and multiplied.
The Jews made that same mistake when our blessed Lord was on earth, and that is why the Lord became a stumbling stone to them. (1 Peter 2:8). They tried to get rid of God’s beloved Son, but by so doing they scattered themselves to the four corners of the earth, and that Stone still lives. The One whom they despised is now exalted at the right hand of God.
Are you making the same mistake to day? Are you trying to get rid of the thought of Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners? Are you stumbling at that Stumbling Stone? Beware my reader, for you cannot move that Stone. You can only injure yourself by despising it.
That Stumbling Stone is our blessed Rock, our Shelter from judgment, our Hume for eternity. That, precious Saviour who was once despised has suffered all God’s wrath for our sakes, and in Him we have found joy and peace in believing.
Reader, what is God’s Son to you? is lie your Stumbling Stone or your Rock of Refuge? God’s Word says,
“WHOSOEVER SHALL FALL ON THIS STONE SHALL BE BROKEN: BUT ON WHOMSOEVER IT SHALL FALL, IT WILL GRIND HIM TO POWDER.” Matthew 21:44.
ML 10/08/1950