Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Perhaps in the carnal mind, the only thing more difficult to believe than the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the virgin birth by which He came. His entry is more perplexing to the skeptic than His exit. To those on the outside it might seem more likely that an empty tomb is plausible if Mary was truly found with child of the Holy Ghost. Yet His entire story is a difficult narrative for the unbeliever.
Peter writes that Jesus is the Stone; the Rock of offense that causes men to stumble. Paul quotes the prophetic word that His presence alone would be a rock of offense that makes the doubter trip and fall. Moreover, to think that the life and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ hinged on the faith of a young, teenage girl who replied to the angel, “Be it unto me according to thy word” is beyond the telling.
The Messiah came through the faith and acceptance of one and would be called the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father. The Bible states that All of the fulness of God dwells in Jesus bodily. Jesus became the image of the invisible God, so says the Bible.
He is the Righteous Judge and the Mediator at the same time. His Gospel was not hid, but it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. Yet to those who do not believe, Jesus is the world’s greatest hindrance. We either fall on the Rock and are saved or we trip over Him in unbelief and are lost. There is no middle ground with Jesus. His very existence demands an answer. His name is the ultimate source of separation for He said, “Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” I see a Stone laid in Zion and it causes men to stumble. Born of a virgin. Emmanuel. God manifested in the flesh.
The aging priest, Simeon, who was waiting for the consolation of Israel said: “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32. The Rock saved him, as it has saved all those who believe that Jesus is Lord of All.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole