‘Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!'” ‘ Matt. 3:1-3

How you doing so far in this study of Old Testament quotes found in New Testament inspired texts?

Learning anything new? It’s worthy of our attention, Amen? Noticing maybe a principle or two concerning the most often quoted or alluded to passages? How about that there seems to be a lot of emphasis on a heavenly, spiritual perspective concerning not only Christ, but His kingdom. Previously we’ve noted that Psalm 110:1 is one of the most often quoted or alluded to Old Testament texts in the New Testament. Do you know what the second most often quoted (at least in part) Psalm in the New Testament is? Here’s some verses and you’ll likely recognize them. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:22, 23 (NAS) Three times in the gospels (Matthew Mark & Luke’s parallel accounts of the same occasion), once in the book of Acts and once in 1 Peter these verses are cited by inspired New Covenant writers. Interestingly, Jesus delivers this Old Testament quote on the heels of another of His parables, the parable of the vineyard. In that parable Jesus makes it clear that He is the chief corner that would be rejected by the religious leaders and people of His day. Why? He called them on their poor spiritual stewardship of the Father’s vineyard. Once called out, Jesus knew they would have no further use for Him and would seek to kill Him. He warned them unless they broke themselves and bent their will to Him, they would be scattered like dust. The apostles got their opportunity before the same stiff-necked group and through Peter declared that Jesus whom they crucified and who God raised from the dead, had now become the Chief Corner prophesied by the psalmist (Acts 4:10-12).  And just for good measure the Holy Spirit impelled him to proclaim there was salvation in no one else except Jesus! Go back and read Psalm 118 verses 22-26 in context. You’ll note that though many reject the corner stone, some will recognize and understand this day as salvation and prosperity. Peter through inspiration continues to enlighten us to the time and the place this chief corner was laid to rest. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed.’ ” “This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone’ ” (1 Peter 2:6-7 NAS) The corner stone upon which God’s spiritual house is being built up was laid in Zion in heavenly Jerusalem at Jesus’ ascension, the place where Scripture says Jesus is and to which we have come. (Heb. 12:22-24)Those with a spiritual mindset and spiritual eyes with the help of the New Testament writings will indeed recognize this truly great day and say along with the psalmist  “This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  What a great heavenly view, eh?