Luke 20

“Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Luke 20:18 NIV

The words in this verse, at face value, appear to have a negative outlook; be broken or be crushed, you choose. However, this verse does have a positive outlook as it is a matter of perspective – like a glass being half full versus half empty.

Those that are resolved to ignore or reject Christ’s authority will one day be crushed. There will also be doom for those who profess reverence of the Messiah, yet produce no fruit in due season. But when one is resolved to accept Christ’s authority, follow His decrees, and profess reverence for Him, will realize who they truly are – broken pieces.

John 3:17-18 tells us that, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

The good news is that though we are broken, Christ came to save us. He is the chain breaker so we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:17). He is our healer (Matthew 12:15). He perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is our strength (Philippians 4:13). He provides us with direction (Psalm 119:105). He forgives us of our sins (John 3:16). And He sets us free (John 8:32).

Like a broken bone that can be reset, put back in its proper place, and supported with a cast so that it can heal, Christ will do the same for us. It won’t be easy to walk in His ways and at times even painful as we cast to the side our personal sinful desires, but the eternal reward will be far greater.

May we choose to fall upon the Cornerstone of salvation. No longer rejecting the Messiah, but rejecting our sinful ways.