AUGUST 20, 2014
Our
Foundation
Read: 1
Corinthians 3:1-11
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which
is Jesus Christ. —1
Corinthians 3:11
The Bavarian city of
Nördlingen is unique. It sits in the middle of the Ries Crater, a large
circular depression caused by the impact of a huge meteorite a long time ago.
The immense pressure of the impact resulted in unusual crystallized rock and
millions of microscopic diamonds. In the 13th century, these speckled stones
were used to build St. George’s Church. Visitors can see the beautiful crystal
deposits in its foundation and walls. Some might say it has a heavenly
foundation.
The Bible talks of a
different kind of heavenly foundation. The Lord Jesus came to our world from heaven
(John 3:13). When He went back into heaven after His death and resurrection, He
left His followers who became the “living temple” of God, of which He is the
foundation. The apostle Paul says, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than
that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).
The church building in
Bavaria is built on a foundation from pieces of rock from the physical heavens.
But the spiritual church—all believers in Christ—is founded on the ultimate
heavenly foundation, Christ Jesus (Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 10:3-4). Praise God that
because of what Jesus has done our salvation is secure.
On Christ salvation
rests secure;
The Rock of Ages will
endure;
Nor can that faith be
overthrown
Which rests upon the
“Living Stone.” —Anon.
Christ, the Rock, is
our sure hope.
Insight
In today’s passage,
Paul uses both agricultural and architectural metaphors to warn of an
overreliance and dependence on church leaders. Using an agricultural metaphor,
he reminds us that while human leaders do the planting and watering, God alone
can make the church grow (1 Cor. 3:1-9). And with the architectural metaphor of
a building, Paul warns that no human leader is the founder of the church
(vv.10-11). God alone is the founder and foundation.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
