5. A Stone of Precious Promise in Genesis

This is the fifth in a series of articles about stones in the Bible. We know that stones were used as an instrument of capital punishment in Israel, but these articles consider stones in a different light. Instead of a weapon of judgment, the stones we will “pick up” are stones of instruction. These “stones” will “teach” us and help us remember our God.

Throughout the Bible, stones have had great significance. The past weeks we’ve covered:

Stone 1: A Stone and a Name—in Genesis and Exodus
Stone 2: A Stone of Rest—a pillow of comfort in Genesis
Stone 3: A Stone Covered Well in Genesis
Stone 4: A “Mizpah” Stone of Blessing—and God’s faithful watch in Genesis

This week…Stone #5

This week’s stone is the most beautiful of all stones. It is a stone that comes from the God of Jacob. It is the Stone of Israel, it is the Promise Stone of Jesus.

Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel)

Throughout the Bible, we find typology that speaks of Jesus as the rock or the stone. Some reference are for the purpose of strengthening believers and others are to portray coming judgment. This typology “whispers” the name above all names, revealing Jesus as God in His power and might.

The Smiting Stone of Daniel (Daniel 2:34)
The Stone that will fill the whole earth (Daniel 2:35).
The Head Stone of the Corner (Psalm 118:22)
The Higher Rock (Psalm 61:2)
The Chief Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16, Acts 4:11, Ephesian 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6)
The Grinding/Crushing Stone (Matthew 21:44)
The Stone that the Builders Rejected (Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, 1 Peter 2:7)
A Precious Stone (1 Peter 2:6-7)
A Stumbling Stone, a rock [large stone] of offense, (Isaiah 8:14, 1 Peter 2:8)
A Rock that is like no other (1 Samuel 2:2)
A Rock of delivery (2 Samuel 22:2)
The Rock of refuge (Psalm 94:22)
The Rock of my salvation (Psalm 95:1)
The Rock from which water poured forth in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4)
The Rock in whose cleft we are sheltered and protected (Exodus 33:22).
The Rock upon whom the church is built (Matthew 16:18)
The Solid Rock upon whom we are to build our lives (Matthew 7:24)
Our only Rock (Psalm 62:6)
My Rock in whom I trust (Psalm 18:2)

Take your Precious Promise stone and add it to the memorial pillar we are building. Always remember, “Jesus IS Our Rock!”

Stone 1: A Stone and a Name—in Genesis and Exodus
Stone 2:  A Stone of Rest—a pillow of comfort in Genesis
Stone 3: A Stone Covered Well in Genesis
Stone 4:  A “Mizpah” Stone of Blessing—and God’s faithful watch in Genesis
Stone 5:  A Stone of Precious Promise—Jesus, My Rock

1 Peter 2:6-7, 9 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. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious…you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Pick up Stone #6: A Stone of Foundation and Victory—Jesus, My Banner

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Give the Trick-or-Treaters a Real Treat: The Gospel

Be ready always to give a reason for the Hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15). When you can’t share the gospel with your words, share it by leaving tracts that tell people about God's grace.

When leaving a tract, always be diligent to pray for the short gospel message. Pray that it be found by someone who is in need of Jesus’ saving grace, and pray that the person will have a tender heart and open ears to receive the gift Jesus desires to give them.