On this day in 1792, the cornerstone of the Executive Mansion was laid in Washington, D.C. The building became known as the White House in 1818.

In ancient times, a cornerstone was the most important building block for any structure. It’s placement and shape determined the form of the whole building. It still usually refers to the first stone of a new building, laid at a corner where two walls begin. Because of this role, the word became associated with something or someone very important. So you might hear that an athlete is the cornerstone of the team.

These days, as in 1792, the cornerstone will often be laid with great fanfare and ceremony for a noteworthy construction project.

In today’s Bible passage, cornerstone is used as a symbol, and Jesus quoted this verse to refer to himself. When questioned by the religious leaders, he replied, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see’” (Matthew 21:42).

Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, and 1 Peter 2:4-7 also refer to Jesus as the cornerstone, emphasizing that our salvation—in fact, our very lives—must be built on Christ. Otherwise, like a poorly constructed building, everything will crumble.

Peter wrote: “As the Scriptures express it, ‘I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed’” (1 Peter 2:6). That’s great news!

You will hear about many options for building your life. You might be tempted, for example, to build on money and possessions and worldly success. Or you might find that special person and try building life on him or her—on love. Education, talent, and power are other popular options. But none of those will work as a sufficient cornerstone. Only Christ will do. And those who believe in him will never be disappointed.

The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).

To Do

Go to a large, old church, the library, City Hall, or another important building in town. Find the cornerstone and note what it says. Then, right there, thank Jesus for being your cornerstone.

Also on this day

This is U.S. Navy Day.

1775—The U.S. Continental Congress ordered the construction of a naval fleet.

1995—Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida admitted its 500-millionth guest.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.