No Longer Strangers to God

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Scripture: Ephesians 2:17-19 (ESV)

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Devotion:       

Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like you don't belong or fit in anywhere? Maybe you have experienced rejection, discrimination, or isolation because of your race, culture, religion, or background. Maybe you have been hurt by people who were supposed to love you and accept you. Maybe you have wondered if God really cares about you and wants you to be part of his family.

If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of alienation and loneliness. But the good news is that God has a solution for this problem. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to preach peace to those who were far off and those who were near. Jesus came to bring reconciliation between God and humanity, and between different groups of people. He died on the cross to break down the wall of hostility that separated us from God and from each other. He rose again to give us new life and hope.

Through Jesus, we have access to the Father by one Spirit. We can approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing that he welcomes us with open arms. We can also enjoy fellowship with other believers, who share the same Spirit and the same faith. We are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. We belong to a new community, a new family, a new identity.

This is a wonderful privilege and a great responsibility. As members of God's household, we are called to live in harmony, love, and peace with each other. We are called to respect, honor, and serve one another. We are called to reflect God's character and glory to the world. We are called to be a blessing and a light to those who are still far from God.

God has made us his own. He has given us a place and a purpose. He has made us his peace-makers and peace-keepers. Let us rejoice in his grace and respond to his call.

Prayer:

            Lord, help us to be a people who are welcoming to the stranger. Let us imitate Jesus who always reached out when confronted with a need. Teach us how to live as peace-makers and peace- keepers among those we live with. Help us to be realize that Jesus paid the penalty to free us to do the work of peace-makers. Living in this world with all the drama and messiness takes strength that only God can give. Lord let us be people worthy of the name Chistian. Amen

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