Text: Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Introduction:

I have just returned from Israel, what an incredible experience. The land and geography is tied into the language of the Bible. (Joppa gate, Damascus gate, Jericho Road Bethany – house of the fig, Mount of Olives – olive press)

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The people talk of the Old Testament and often of Isaiah. (Dead Sea Scrolls)

But the book of Isaiah had been criticized by secular historians because there was no proof that it could be trust as true. Then in 1970 they found Hezekiah wall as describe by Isaiah himself. 

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Isaiah 22:10 

And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall. 

2 Chronicles 32:5

Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

As the Israeli guide said “now we know Isaiah’s words are true”

If historically true then prophetically true. 

For the next few weeks, we will be considering the truths of Isaiah.

Isaiah 28:16 (Isaiah 2:1-5 a new Temple)

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

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The Jews believe that they will lay this stone.

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Example of a Temple corner stone. (Roman street where Jesus likely walked)

1.      Jesus Christ, Our Corner Stone

Isaiah 28:16

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

1 Peter 2:4-6

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Ephesians 2:20

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2.      Jesus Christ, Our Capstone

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Psalms 118:22

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Mark 12:10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

Luke 20:17

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

Acts 4:11

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

1 Peter 2:7

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,

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3.      Jesus Christ, a Stone of Stumbling and for a Rock of Offence

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Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

1 Peter 2:8

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.