7/9/22

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:13-18.

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”

We were intended to be one people from the moment of creation. It is by our own selfish desires and urge to be in control that we have become separated from God and each other. We have convinced ourselves that “we” are right and “they” are wrong. How it must pain God to see us do this.

However, God loves us too much to give up on us. Jesus came to show us how much and teach us the way to live together according to God’s plan for us. Paul tells us “Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ” (v. 13). God wants to reunite all His children.

We can be part of this great reconciliation of God’s people, sharing His love with the world. We must understand His will for us and follow the path Jesus called us to walk with Him. It is never easy, but it is the only way for us to be saved.

Gracious God, we are thankful for Your mercy shown to us through the gift of Your son. Teach us to live together in Your love, sharing Your gifts with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

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