S(Romans 9:33) As it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”
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God Himself places this offensive obstacle in each of our paths. This potentially bone crushing experience is our unexpected divine encounter with the cross of Jesus Christ as revealed through the foolishness of various modes of preaching. The cross insults our noblest religious schemes. It declares that we can never be good enough to appease God or save ourselves. The cross humiliates our best intellectual defenses against Jesus Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Peter 2:1-8); Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:11-15.)
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Like both Balaam and Saul, I stumbled at what I thought was a clear, unobstructed path to self-fulfillment and glory (Numbers 22; Acts 9). But as Paul explained to the Romans, trusting exclusively in Jesus’ substitution for me on the cross is the only way I can enter into a relationship with God (Romans 9:30-32). My inflated works, my clever words, my unhumbled will detour me away from the opening that God created into Heaven.
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Lord, You’re right. This path of righteousness by faith gets brighter and clearer—more obvious—as we continue walking with You (Proverbs 4:18,19). Thank You for placing Yourself as a precious stone in my path so I could change directions. Now I walk in the light with You.
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