xxviii. 16. _A tried stone._
This phrase may be more literally rendered "a stone for proof," and
so rendered admits of two interpretations. The commonly received
opinion, that it means a stone which has been tried and found
sufficient is probably correct, and is more in harmony with the
context; but Calvin understands by it a stone which was to be the
test or standard of comparison for others. However this may be, we
have inspired authority for saying that the stone is no other than
our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pet. ii. 6); and we may profitably consider
Him in these two aspects, as our Trust and our Test.
I. HE IS OUR TRUST, because He has been tried. "Tried in the days of
His humanity by all the vehemence of temptations, and the weight of
afflictions, yet, like gold from the furnace, rendered more shining
and illustrious by the fiery scrutiny."--(_Hervey._) [For further
amplifications, see the other outlines on this text.--R.A.B.]
II. HE IS OUR TEST. In Him we have the true touchstone of character.
All men naturally divide themselves into good or bad, saved or lost,
by their acceptance or rejection of Him. By this touch-stone strange
discoveries have been made in every age. The Pharisees and Scribes
had a high character for piety until this trying stone was applied to
them, and then it appeared what they were--the most inveterate
enemies of God on earth. The reception which men gave to Jesus Christ
is the great criterion of their character, as Simeon predicted (Luke
ii. 34). This is the supreme test by which God is trying _you,_ and
by which your eternal destiny will be determined.--_Samuel Davies,
A.M., Sermons,_ ii. 29-33.