Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (NIV)
Observation:
Christ is our peace, bringing us together in one body through one Spirit by the blood of Christ. “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Once we were no people, but through Christ suffering and sacrifice we have been made new creations, holy and sanctified. We are being built up together into one body, the temple of Our Lord Jesus, who dwells in us richly. Our lives matter then and what we do with our lives is important. So be holy as your father in heaven is holy. Let people see the goodness of our Lord in everything we do.
Application:
Since we are new creations in Christ Jesus, and since the Holy Spirit of Christ dwells in us richly, let us be confident in our faith and put our faith into action on a daily basis. Let us not be afraid to be the holy people of God, not in an off-putting way, but in a way that allows the people that we might to see the love, compassion, and grace that our Lord has displayed to us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the Peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for including me in your Kingdom plan for the Salvation of the world. Help me then through your grace to be compassionate, loving and graceful with everyone i meet today. Allow the people that I encounter to recognize you in me and allow me to be confident in my faith that my body would truly be a temple for You, all to your glory. Amen!