A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.

1 Peter 2:8

To those who respond in faith, the Stone is “precious,” just as it is precious to God. But to those who reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah, He becomes a stumbling block. Peter compares the response of unbelievers to Christ with the disobedience of the people of Israel and Judah. God became their source of judgment rather than their salvation. Peter, writing to God’s elect, admonishes them to be rid of all deceit and hypocrisy, envy and slander. He reminds them that they are being built into a “spiritual house” that will be evidenced by offering spiritual sacrifices.

Does your life reflect your belief that Jesus Christ is a precious treasure? What spiritual sacrifices have you been offering Him? Peter identifies spiritual sacrifices as a declaration of praises to God for bringing us out of darkness and into His light. Recently, a beautiful young woman gave birth to a baby boy. He is struggling with an illness, fighting for his little life. Jesus is precious to her and she clings to Him as she continues to praise and worship her Lord. For those who do not know Christ, it is difficult to understand her faith. Jesus is a stumbling block to them, and yet so very precious to her!

What causes you to stumble in your spiritual life? Are you able to declare praises to God even when things are difficult in your life? The Lord becomes precious to us as we learn to trust Him in all circumstances. What do you need to praise Him for today?

Heavenly Father,

I have been self-centered, allowing circumstances to cloud my desire to praise You. Build my spiritual house into a house of praise and thanksgiving, removing the stumbling blocks that cause me to fall. Help me to be a pure vessel, rid of all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander so that others may see in me the treasure of God.

In Jesus’ name, Amen