Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. [Ps 118:22; Is 28:16] You [believers], like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone, And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will never be disappointed [in his expectations].” [Is 28:16] This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “The [very] stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief Cornerstone,” [Ps 118:22] and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed. [Is 8:14] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Ex 19:5, 6] Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [Hos 2:23]” AMP

Today, I was reflecting on the meaning of Easter.

Over the past few years, I’ve spoken with some friends and family who shared that they no longer really celebrate Easter. My heart feels so heavy in those moments. I realize that many of them don’t celebrate Jesus on Easter because they haven’t truly experienced his incredible love for them.

But Easter is a day of freedom, unity, and love.

This year, I chose to reflect on a less traditional Easter passage—one that powerfully illustrates what we’ve been given and who we are because of Christ’s death and resurrection.

First, Jesus is the chosen Cornerstone. He is the one God selected to build his church upon—chosen by God, yet rejected by men. And he is a living stone.

Second, we too are living stones. We are being built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, shaped into a spiritual house—a living temple to God.

I think of the microbots from the show Big Hero 6. Each tiny machine can operate on its own, but when joined together, they become a massive, powerful force. In the same way, when the Spirit of God lives within us, we each become a living temple. But united under Jesus—our Cornerstone—we, as a collection of mini-temples, form one great, living temple: the Church. We are the local church, and together, the global Church of Christ. And through him, we operate with extraordinary power on this earth!

Because of Good Friday and Easter—because of Jesus’ death and resurrection—we have been transformed into living temples for God and a mighty, unified force for good in the world.

That’s why we are called a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. This is our identity, our hope, and our mission. We are called to proclaim, declare, and shout from the rooftops the wonders of who he is—his goodness, his mercy, his faithfulness.

Like the golden candelabra that once lit the Jewish Temple, our hearts now shine with the light of Jesus. And this light is a testimony, drawing others to him.

I was once alone in my sin and lost in darkness. But now, I belong to the people of God—filled with his light and secure in his love. What an incredible transformation—brought about through Easter, by a Savior who loves me.

Lord, thank you for the immensity of all you have done for me. I lift you up with praise and deep gratitude. You are my Savior and my Lord—and you will always be the reason I celebrate Easter.