The Paradox Principle

UV 2896/10000 The Paradox Principle
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Matthew 21 v 42
People might make pleasure, wealth, fame, power as the cornerstones of their lives as these are visible and tangible. But these factors and forces will pass away as all things of this earth do in due course. Each of these has its own limitations and adverse effects on the human mind, character and lives. When we make these the cornerstones of our lives, the whole edifice of our lives will fall and fail us when the cornerstone gets weakened or damaged. The wisdom of this world is also not a sufficient substitute cornerstone as it is like counterfeit gold. It will look like gold and appear shining but lose its properties under pressure and heat of life. Like anything counterfeit, it is deceitful.
Then who or what shall be the cornerstone of our lives that will support all spheres, aspects, domains of our lives, reinforcing what needs to be strengthened and removing what needs to be removed from our lives? This uni-verse like all of scripture gives us the answer- Jesus. Jesus is the cornerstone that the builders of ancient Israel rejected even though they were given a blueprint that showed that He is the fulfilment of the promise to them, the soon and coming King, the Scion of Zion who holds the sceptre of righteousness in His hand. Though He taught with gentleness of heavenly wisdom and proved His power and sovereignty, He was rejected and still continues to be rejected by even modern Israel but for those Jews who have received Him as their saviour.
Today, the Lord has called people from all nations who acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of every corner of their lives- spiritual, relational, intellectual, emotional, physical, material, financial. He is the locus of their lives on which they focus. The entire circle of their lives is drawn around Jesus. Nothing is excluded from the gaze of the cornerstone. He is the capstone or the Lead stone around which they found their lives. He is also the keystone – or the stone that helps them solve challenges, endure difficulties, face all that life, the world, the enemy can throw at them. Why is Jesus who is soft, gentle, humble portrayed by the hard metaphor of stones, a rock and so on? The reason is the paradox principle embodied in the personality of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We need to be both strong and meek in the company of the Triune God, humble and assertive, faithful but hard working and diligent, trustworthy but not gullible, idealistic but pragmatic, supernatural and natural, joyful but not a pleasure –seeker, wise but always learning, mature but child-like. These principles of character, conduct and conversation are to be applied daily to our lives if Christ is truly the cornerstone at every corner of our lives.
Prateep V Philip