Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 2:11-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision" -a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands- Verse 12remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Verse 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Verse 14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. Verse 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, Verse 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. Verse 17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; Verse 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. Verse 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, Verse 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Verse 21In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; Verse 22in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
Devotion
Paul the Missionary is writing to his brothers and sisters in the faith, those who once were “far off”. Both geographically and spiritually, these people in Ephesus were “far off.”
In Ontario, Oregon, I am part of a ministry among people who call this place home but who also have a history from any of the four directions. Some came here many years ago from the Midwest, places like Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota. Of course many have roots from the western side of Oregon or Washington.
There is a confluence here that makes the community seem relatively young. So these sweet words teach us of our profound heritage that is in Christ. We have the same Lord. We have one baptism into Christ. That makes us both ancient and young.
Prayer
God, bring us all near in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.