The rejected stone and the Peace of the Risen King

In their celebration the disciples quote Psalm 118 (Luke 19:37-38), a psalm which expresses joy in the plans of God: “I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:21-23).

What do we see in the plans of God? The rejected One has become the means of salvation. However, the King’s reign is not completed on Palm Sunday, or even on Easter Sunday. Jesus defeated sin and death, yet it still reigns on earth. But we know His kingdom is coming.

We pray for it every Sunday - Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. Soon, the peace of heaven will become the peace of earth. The sacrament of Holy Communion looks forward to that future, but also gives us something for this time of in-between - the peace of the Risen One. This peace is complete, perfect, and whole. It is the peace of Easter morning. The peace of “It is finished.” The peace of abasement and exaltation. Let this peace be marvelous in our eyes.