How can we recognize God's work in situations we initially reject? Mark 12:11, The Heart of the Lesson “This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Jesus cites Psalm 118:22-23 while finishing His parable of the vine-growers. The builders in His illustration rejected the stone that God chose as the cornerstone. That rejected stone embodies Christ Himself and, by extension, the unexpected ways God advances His purposes. Why Good People Miss God’s Hand • Limited perspective focuses on immediate inconvenience and pain • Preconceived ideas about how God “should” work block unfamiliar methods • Fear of loss or change clouds discernment • Cultural or religious expectations override revealed truth • Personal pride resists anything that threatens control or reputation Patterns of Divine Work in Unwelcome Places • Scripture shows God bringing life from barren circumstances (Genesis 21; Isaiah 54:1) • Rejection and suffering often precede exaltation (Joseph in Genesis 37-50; David in 1 Samuel 16-31; Philippians 2:8-11) • Outsiders become central to redemption (Ruth; Rahab; Acts 10) • What appears weak or foolish proves powerful (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) Signs the Lord Is Moving, Even When Resistance Is High • Alignment with clear biblical truth despite opposition • Growth of the fruit of the Spirit in unexpected people or places (Galatians 5:22-23) • Confirming testimonies independent of one another • Unplanned provision that fits the need with precision (Philippians 4:19) • Increased hunger for Scripture and prayer among those involved Training the Eye to Recognize the Cornerstone 1. Immerse mind and heart in the whole counsel of God, anchoring perception to objective truth (Psalm 119:105) 2. Yield daily control to the Holy Spirit, welcoming conviction and correction (John 16:13) 3. Practice grateful remembrance of past surprises where rejection turned into blessing (Deuteronomy 8:2) 4. Seek wise, mature counsel that submits to Scripture rather than popular opinion (Proverbs 15:22) 5. Slow reactions through prayerful reflection, allowing time for God’s perspective to surface (James 1:19-20) Biblical Snapshots of Rejected Works Becoming Marvelous • Moses initially refused his call; God still used him to deliver Israel (Exodus 3-4) • Israel dismissed Gideon’s small army; God delivered through 300 men (Judges 7) • Nathanael doubted anything good could come from Nazareth; he later proclaimed Jesus as Son of God (John 1:46-49) • Paul faced suspicion from believers after conversion; the Lord made him key to planting churches (Acts 9:26-31) Living the Lesson Today • Give room for God to upend expectations without surrendering biblical convictions • Celebrate small beginnings and overlooked individuals God raises up (Zechariah 4:10) • Redirect discouragement into watchful anticipation of divine reversal • Stay humble, remembering that yesterday’s skeptic can become tomorrow’s servant-leader • Recount each instance where the rejected stone became the cornerstone, strengthening faith for future surprises |
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