Daily Devotional Thursday 10th September 2020
by William MoodyEphesians 2:11–17
One in Christ
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
(ESV)
Paul now speaks of the glory of God’s plan of bringing Jew and Gentile alike to Himself through Christ and therefore reconciling them to each other.
The Gentiles were separated from the people of God, separated from the promises of God, ‘having no hope and without God in the world’ (v11-12).
Paul speaks clearly how Gentiles are brought near through Christ’s blood (v13). Christ through His death for sin is the source of peace (v14-17). Peace with God and peace between people. Divided people reconciled under the glory of the cross.
Today there is a lot of talk about reconciliation between people. True and lasting reconciliation comes only when people are reconciled to God through Christ and have the reconciling power of Christ living in them.
If you are reconciled to God through Christ you need to be reconciled to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Is there another believer that you are holding a grudge against or holds a grudge against you? For the honour of Christ seek reconciliation (see Matthew 5 v23-24; 18 v15).
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