Brokenness

JESUS SPEAKING

“Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind them to powder.” (Matthew 21: verse 42 – 44)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus was an outcast, hated by the religious leaders who ruled over the temple. They rejected Him, fulfilling the prophecy, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’ In turn, Jesus became the cornerstone of a new temple, not comprised of stones, but instead made from the flesh and Spirit of individual believers. Those who are unwilling to abandon their pride will be crushed beneath the weight of Jesus Christ. However, those who fall upon the rock of salvation and are broken will know redemption. Broken things can be remade, reshaped, and reformed. Being fully broken allows God to remake us in His image. Thus brokenness leads to rebirth.

Horses are beautiful, powerful, and majestic animals. Over the centuries, they have proven beneficial to mankind in numerous ways; pulling, hauling, and plowing, etc. Many however have been used as primary modes of transportation. Today, any horse carrying a rider has undergone a process known as ‘breaking.’ The animal’s basic desire is to be free, to run wild and to do as it pleases. So, over the course of time, this rebellious nature is driven out of them. They are taught to embrace the bit and bridle, and to move without bucking. They are made to accept the straps of the saddle and to embrace the riders commands. When the horse has relinquished complete control, it has been fully broken. Only a broken horse can faithfully serve its master.

Like horses, human beings have desires and instincts that conflict with God’s commands. Pride and selfishness are obstacles that stand in the way of brokenness. When we thrust ourselves upon Christ, we relinquish control and are shattered. From these fractured pieces we are reborn, reshaped, and remade into the glorious image of our God. May we embrace change and relinquish control; trusting that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could ever ask or imagine.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you as humble servants. May we embrace the brokenness that accompanies our devotion to Your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Create within us clean hearts, and give us the courage to spread the gospel with confidence and faithfulness. May Your temple of flesh and Spirit continue to grow and flourish, as it should, now and forevermore. We thank You, we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!