FROM REJECTED TO REVERED

JUNE 13

Psalm 118

Psalm 118:22-23, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Psalm 118 is a triumphant song of thanksgiving and victory. It celebrates God’s steadfast love and His power to deliver His people from distress. The psalm opens and closes with a joyful refrain: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1, 29)

At its heart lies a profound message of reversal and redemption, powerfully captured in our verses.  A passage that is amongst the most quoted Old Testament passage found in the New Testament.  But what’s the meaning?

In ancient construction, especially in temple and palace building, stones were carefully inspected by builders. If a stone was misshapen, cracked, or didn’t appear useful, it was cast aside. But on rare occasions, a stone that was once rejected was later recognized as the perfect fit—particularly as the cornerstone, the most essential and load-bearing stone in the entire structure.

To say that a rejected stone becomes the cornerstone is to say that what seemed useless or unworthy was, in the end, most essential.  Originally, these words likely applied to Israel or to King David—once rejected but later chosen by God. But the New Testament reveals a deeper fulfillment: Jesus quoted this verse (Matthew 21:42) to describe Himself. He was the stone rejected by the religious “builders” of Israel—dismissed, betrayed, and crucified. Yet in His resurrection, He became the cornerstone of the church in God’s redemptive plan. The apostles echoed this truth in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7.

What others rejected, God exalted. Jesus—despised, condemned, and crucified—has become the cornerstone of salvation. There is no other name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In a world that still largely rejects Him, we are reminded that our faith must rest in Him alone. 

“Christ is the cornerstone rejected by the builders, but chosen and precious to God. In Him alone is our salvation and our firm foundation.” — Charles Spurgeon

Application questions: What makes what God did so marvelous?  Have you seen God take something that seemed worthless or broken in your life and turn it into something beautiful? How does knowing that God is able to do such thing work to encourage your faith?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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