Whose Blueprint Are You Following?

April 23, 2022

Whose Blueprint Are You Following?

By Brooke Holt

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:22–24).

Yesterday we read that Psalm 118 was likely the last song that Jesus sang with his disciples before he came to the Mount of Olives. Today, we will see how this Messianic Psalm was fulfilled in Christ on Palm Sunday and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

For thousands of years, the nation of Israel anxiously awaited the promised Messiah. They set their hope on his earthly kingdom to free them from the tyranny of their oppressors. They wanted to rule and flourish in this world. As they watched and waited, they built their kingdom on earth in the understanding of what it meant to worship God. They focused on the Law and the external fulfillment of the Law—to the exclusion of their hearts. This outward focus hardened their hearts as they sought to impress God with their works. They didn’t just follow the basic commandments, but created hundreds of new ones, stacking up unholy efforts before a holy God.

But God continued to call his people. And as they continued in their own way, building their version of God’s kingdom here on earth, the darkness grew. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus came to shine God’s light into this darkness (John 1:4–5). Jesus came to teach another way of living and building—God’s way. Jesus taught the Word of God everywhere he went. As God’s anointed Son, Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God while he healed those who were oppressed by demons, sickness, and infirmities. Men and women bound by the forces of evil were set free, the blind received sight, the deaf began to hear, the paralytics could walk, and the dead were brought back to life. That power for healing and deliverance announced the true kingdom of God.

Meanwhile, many religious leaders continued to prefer rules, regulations, and the power to enforce those laws upon others. They clung to their blueprint for God’s kingdom and missed their promised Messiah. But for those who understood that they could never keep the law of God, the message of Jesus was astounding and exciting. Never had they seen such power, kindness, and love. Whatever Jesus offered, they knew they wanted it.

Jesus turned their lives upside down—as Jews became Christians, and then Gentiles became Christians. Even Samaritans were invited into this kingdom of God. The blueprint for this new life and kingdom was based on the cornerstone who had once been rejected. He was now the chief cornerstone, the foundation of the kingdom of God. Those who want to be part of building his kingdom—both in the early church and today—must follow God’s blueprint, not their own.

Whose blueprint are you following? Are you following the Lord’s will, your own desires, or the world’s agenda? One way builds God’s kingdom, one way builds your kingdom, and the last way builds the world’s kingdom.

With the help of God’s Spirit, we can pray: Lord, open our eyes to see your blueprint for our lives. Help us turn from anything that would hinder us from surrendering to your will and glorifying you in our lives.

Reflection:

Whose blueprint are you following today in your family, work, and daily priorities? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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