SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022 Short Daily Devotional

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

TEXT: Ephesians 2:11-22

11. So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth were called “the uncircumcised.” They underwent physical circumcision done by human hands.

12. At that time you were without the Messiah, excluded from citizenship in Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise. You had no hope and were in the world without God.

13. But now, in union with the Messiah Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.

14. For it is he who is our peace. Through his mortality he made both groups one by tearing down the wall of hostility that divided them.

15. He rendered the Law inoperative, along with its commandments and regulations, thus creating in himself one new humanity from the two, thereby making peace,

16. and reconciling both groups to God in one body through the cross, on which he eliminated the hostility.

17. He came and proclaimed peace for you who were far away and for you who were near.

18. For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one spirit.

19. That is why you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,

20. having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

21. In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord.

22. You, too, are being built in him, along with the others, into a place for God’s Spirit to dwell.

(International Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: YOU ARE MORE THAN AN OUTSIDER

Paul makes it clear that when we were living apart from Christ, we were excluded from citizenship of God’s people.

We were regarded as uncircumcised heathens living in this world without God and without hope, ignorant of the covenant promises God had made to His people.

BUT NOW that you have become united with Christ, you are no more a stranger, outsider or foreigner because the blood of Jesus Christ has brought you to Him.

You are now a citizen along with all of God’s holy people. You have become a member of God’s family! What a blessing to be joined together with Christ and become a holy temple for Him.

QUESTION: Are you a stranger or an outsider in the Church of God?

PRAYER: I have been washed by the blood of Jesus and will forever remain His own, in Christ’s name, Amen.

Remain Blessed                                 

ECWA Food For The Day, 2022.