1Pe 2:7-8 “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”
The root of the word translated as precious in verse seven is a little different from the occurrences in previous verses of this book. There are three different Greek words that have been used to represent the idea of precious, and they all share the notion of something that is valuable or esteemed. In this verse, there is the added meaning of “money paid.” So, to we that “entrust our spiritual well-being to Christ” (believe – see Strong’s), He is acknowledged as the redeeming price paid for our ransom. To be clear, our belief is the result of the price paid for us. He is precious to me because I know that I owe my life to Him! However, He is not precious to those who are disobedient.
The Greek root of the word used for “disobedient” here means to “wilfully and perversely disbelieve.” We are not talking about people who are wandering about in ignorance and violating a truth they know nothing about. This is talking about those who know Jesus and know the love and grace that He teaches. These are people who have some knowledge of the redemptive work of Christ but still prefer their own righteousness. They are determined to do as they please regardless of the consequences. However, Jesus is still the head of the corner (the standard) even to the disobedient.
As the head of the corner, to the Father Jesus is precious (dear) and to us Jesus is precious (extremely valuable, a price paid). To those who wilfully disbelieve, Jesus is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. While the head of the corner is precious to the believer, He is a snare to the disobedient (disbeliever). He is a stone that they stub against, constantly tripping them up in their disbelief. Have you ever felt trapped and off-balance? This is our constant state when we wilfully choose to not give God the glory for our deliverance. This is the condition that God has appointed for them.
Jesus is the head of the corner, whether we are obedient or disobedient. Our reaction to Him does not change who or what He is. It does change the effect He has in our lives. In obedience, we recognize Him as precious beyond description. In disobedience, our lives are in a constant state of turmoil.
May He be to us the greatest treasure of our life and precious beyond accounting!
