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“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.”  Psalm 118:22 (NIV)

Have you ever heard someone refer to Christ as “the capstone the builders rejected” and wondered what that really meant?  I knew that a capstone was the crowning achievement or finishing stone which completed or accentuated a piece of architecture.  But, I never understood why the Bible talked about “builders” rejecting the capstone.  Then one day I ran across an old rabbinic story that brought everything into light.

According to Jewish legend, when King Solomon was ready to begin building his temple, it was decided that noisy construction would not be allowed at the actual site because that area was to be a reverent place of worship.  So although it took a great deal of time and effort, all major carpentry and stonework were done off site. The legend goes on to say that because the capstone for Solomon’s Temple was the central component of design, it was cut first and sent to the temple.  But since it was not going to be used for a very long time, the builders on site simply set it aside.  Seven long years passed until the time came for the placement of the capstone. Unfortunately, no one had any idea where it was because it had been tossed aside and was now hidden under years of dirt and debris.

As I read this story, everything suddenly made sense.  I realized how a builder of that day could neglect or even reject a capstone…which had no immediate relevance.  I just can’t help but wonder why I am sometimes so inclined to set “The Capstone” aside. There is after all, nothing in this life that I could erect or build which is of greater significance than Christ!

“Father, help us to never reject the crowning work of Your Son in our lives.”

For His Glory

Claudia Dempsey
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