Ephesians 2:13-22 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 2:13-22 on biblegateway.com
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
Have you ever been estranged from someone? If so, you know the pain of separation. You know the yearning for reconciliation and reunion.
Have you ever felt estranged, apart from God? When my 15-year-old cat, Max, was diagnosed with the beginnings of kidney failure, I thought, “I can’t do this again. Koki just died 18 months ago. Do something, God!” For a few weeks I felt God was far off from Max and me. My faith told me God was there, but my heart was breaking. These days Max is doing well (thanks to a new diet and other treatment) and the prognosis is good. But I am more conscious of Jesus at my side than I have ever been. I know what it’s like to be on a path with a loved one that will one day mean saying goodbye. I also know nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus, not even the reality of death.
Prayer
Loving Jesus, your hand grasps ours and your love sustains us. Amen.