Near To Thee

In the book of Ephesians, Paul explains Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross when he says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (NRSV, Eph. 2:13). Essentially, Paul states that we have been privileged of this new position of being near to thee through God’s grace by the blood of Christ, Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross, his ultimate sacrifice. His bountiful grace gives us redemption and forgiveness no matter how much we have sinned.

For 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” (NRSV, Eph. 2:14). Christ is our Prince of Peace. For He brings harmony and wholeness to people’s relationship with God and one another, a theme that fits with Paul’s purpose to spread the gospel of faith and salvation through Jesus Christ with love and unity.

Each time we choose pride over humility, we carry ourselves farther away from thee and we open the door to let in chaos filled with confusion, strife and bitterness. When we lead with love, we have the opposite effect as well as the opportunity to repair and renew our fragmented relationships with each other.

According to the text, by bringing together the Jews and the Gentiles, Christ himself has simultaneously reconciled both of them to God and to each other, equally sharing in and receiving the promises and blessings of God. As Christians today, we must realize that our Kingdom journey is much more important to God individually and collectively than any differences that may exist between us. We are to love one another as Christ commanded for love brings us closer to God.

When we step into His Kingdom purpose every act of love, kindness, humility, compassion, and faith gives us access to God as an open door to Heaven. Remember the “Fruits of the Spirit” for they are the foundation of a godly life as well as a reminder for how we are to show up as a representation of God to everyone in the world.  

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace and mercy that is given freely, guided by wisdom and understanding for my redemption and forgiveness which brings me nearer to thee. Amen.