Jump Start # 450 

1 Peter 2:6 “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and He who believes in Him will not be disappointed.’”

  Peter is referring to Jesus in our passage. He quotes from Isaiah. This thought is found twice in Romans. The following verse in Peter says, “the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone.” The concept is building a structure with large stones. Stone cutters and stone masons would be used. Each stone would be carefully examined. The stone would have to be cut straight and be able to bear the weight of other stones on top of it. Jesus was chosen by God—He was the best stone. The builders, the Jewish nation, examined Jesus. They heard His words, they saw the miracles. They rejected Jesus. They rejected Him after examining Him.

  Peter, using Isaiah, says, “he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

 Disappointment. That’s a part of life, it seems all of life. As a student, a person may be disappointed at which teacher they got, often hoping for another one. We watch our favorite teams get beat and we are disappointed. We can disappoint our mates, when one comes home and the other hasn’t lived up to what they said they were going to do. We buy things and when we get home the items are not as great as we thought, we are disappointed. A new CD comes out by one of our favorite groups, and it’s not so good. We’re disappointed.

  There is a deeper level of disappointment—it involves the emotional and spiritual support that we need. A person can be disappointed with the folks at church. The lack of leadership, selfishness, and a general disconnection can leave a person feeling isolated and alone. Prayer lists are found each week in bulletins, but those names are rarely prayed about. A meal is taken for a funeral, but after that, nothing more is done. A child becomes a prodigal and no concern seems to be extended. I am seeing this spiritual disappointment all over the country from brethren in all sizes of churches. It seems that we are so wrapped up in our world that we forget about others. The result is members start finding comfort elsewhere and sometimes in places and with people that they shouldn’t.

  When our prayers are not answered as we want, we can feel disappointed with God. We wonder why He is not there for us. The Psalmist would cry many times, wanting to know why God seemed so distant and removed. Silence can do that.

  Disappointment leads to resentment and anger. Most times, when a member is angry with the church, is because of a lack of support, encouragement and connection with the others. It happens. We do drop the ball—let’s be honest. There are times the leadership fails.

  Leaving doesn’t solve things. You’ll find yourself being disappointed elsewhere in time. Stick in there. God works on His time table not ours. The song, ‘In His time,’ reminds us of this. God is good. Don’t give up on Him because things are not the way you think they should be. Lessons are learned during tough times.

  And don’t give up on others—you need them and they definitely need you. It’s through disappointment that changes come about for the positive. You be the one who is there for others. You show people how it ought to be done. Why should I? Because it’s what God wants you to do.

  God has never deserted you nor not loved you. NEVER. He has promises, plans and big things awaiting for you. Be the feet, eyes and hands of God as you serve others. Develop that heart of a servant.

  There is no disappointment in HIM. For that, I’m thankful.

Roger