Reflections on Isaiah 28:16 and the Unshakeable Foundation of Christ
Introduction: Setting the Scene
Have you ever wondered what keeps a building standing strong despite storms and shifting ground? The answer is simple: its foundation. In life, we look for something just as dependable—a foundation we can build our lives upon. Isaiah 28:16 in the Bible paints a picture of this kind of foundation, one God Himself provides. It speaks of God’s answer to false confidence and shaky supports by offering something far better and lasting.
Isaiah 28:16: God’s Answer to False Confidence
Isaiah 28:16 says, “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.’” In plain language, God sees how people sometimes put their trust in things that aren’t reliable—money, status, routines, or even other people. These can all let us down. But God offers a foundation that will never fail.
The Foundation God Provides: Christ as the Solid Foundation
The stone in Isaiah’s message points to Christ. Think of Him as the solid, dependable base beneath everything else in life. Unlike quick fixes or temporary solutions, Christ is a foundation that doesn’t crack under pressure or shift with changing times. He is the answer to uncertainty, giving us something unmovable to anchor ourselves to. Other foundations may crumble, but Christ stands firm.
What This Foundation Means: Security, Knowledge, Love, and a Model for Living
Building your life on God’s foundation means you have a place to stand when things get shaky. It’s a source of security, not because life becomes easy, but because you know that no matter what comes, you’re anchored to something real. With Christ as our foundation, we gain knowledge—not just facts, but wisdom about what really matters. We experience love—the kind that doesn’t depend on what we do, but on who God is. And we see a model for living in the way Jesus treated others: with kindness, respect, and honesty.
Tested and Precious: How Christ Has Stood the Test of Time
Isaiah calls this foundation “tested” and “precious.” That means it’s not just for show—it’s been proven through history, through difficulty, and through the lives of people who have trusted it. Christ’s life was marked by challenges, heartbreak, and even death, but He never wavered. His story has inspired generations, and His foundation remains strong today. There’s nothing cheap or flimsy about this cornerstone; it’s valuable beyond measure.
Building on the Foundation: Faith as the Way to Build
So how do we build on this foundation? It starts with trust—with faith. That means letting go of the things we use for support that aren’t really steady, and instead relying on Christ. It’s not about having all the answers or never making mistakes. It’s about choosing, day by day, to lean on the foundation God provides, especially when life gets tough. We lay each “brick” in our lives—our choices, relationships, hopes—on top of this steady base.
Confidence and Refuge: The Peace and Assurance Found in Trusting Christ
When we build on Christ, something amazing happens: we find confidence and peace. There’s a quiet assurance that comes from knowing you’re supported by something that won’t let you down. Even when storms hit—loss, disappointment, worry—you don’t have to panic. You have a refuge, a safe place to stand, because your foundation is secure. That’s the kind of confidence God wants for each of us.
Conclusion: The Choice to Build on God’s Foundation
We all have a choice about where to build our lives. God’s foundation in Christ is offered freely to everyone—tested, precious, and sure. If you’re tired of shaky supports and looking for something that truly lasts, consider building on this foundation. Lean in, trust, and discover the security, knowledge, love, and confidence that comes from standing on solid ground. The invitation is open—will you accept it?
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 