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
Today we ponder the theme of "RESTructure."
I remember going through orientation to be a missionary in Tanzania, and being told that I would always be a "stranger" or a guest—a welcomed stranger, but a stranger none-the-less. That always bothered me, because I didn't like being a stranger. I loved God and I loved people and I wanted to be everyone’s friend. I was missing the concept that I would never fully understand what it was like to be a Tanzanian, because I wasn't. But we all claim an identity as "citizens with the saints." Christ is our connection. When we allow Christ to RESTructure our lives to be built on the foundation of God's grace, then our world will be a better place. When welcoming and hospitality become a priority, we are better able to join with others in building up the body of Christ. And when we LISTEN to understand, rather than respond impatiently, we open the door to having our lives changed for the better.
Prayer
Reconciling God, help us to remember that we are all part of your household. Teach us to look through another's eyes and walk in someone else's shoes so that we might experience what it means to be brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.