Images by Unspalsh.com
Our societies circumstances— the 2016 Presidential Election being only one of them— has left many communities and families feeling unwanted, unloved and sometimes beyond redemption. I have seen many social media posts that say something along the lines of, “no matter who is in office, Jesus is still on the throne”. While those words are awesome and true, are we living out that statement, acting as Jesus’ arms and legs to everyone? Yeah, I thought not, and same goes for me if we’re being completely honest. But Paul’s letter to the Ephesians says loud and clear that Jesus Christ came to bring peace, and unite us as one people (2:14).
Maybe you’re reading this and you’re the Gentile in your family...fallen away from the Church, broken important relationships, messed up big in your marriage...or perhaps you’re the Jew...a churchgoer and believer, but unaccepting of others, so much so that you may push them away.
Well, no matter who you are, I can say without hesitation that the Gospel of Jesus is for you! By dying on the cross, our Lord made Himself entirely and eternally available to each and every one of us. Is it through our stellar mass attendance that we are able to boldly approach the throne of Christ? Or our times in the confessional and veils worn? Nope. (Even though all of those things are awesome and can really enhance your relationship with Heavenly Father).
It is through God’s perfect Son, Jesus, the whole and complete reason for the season. Paul kindly reminds us that the Good News is within arms- reach, whether we’ve read the Bible our whole life or are completely new and overwhelmed by it (2:17).
“...You are now citizens together with God’s people, and members of the family of God. You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself.” Ephesians 2:19-20
Reflect: There are only two more days until we celebrate the birth of Our Lord. On that day, Jesus gained the whole world (Psalm 2:8) and we gained a Savior. This Savior does not see race, orientation, economic or marital status. He sees our souls. There is someone in your life who is begging for you to see their soul. Can you see past their lifestyle or sin to what Jesus knit in their mother’s womb?
Act: Are you feeling far from God? Pick up a Bible. Ephesians Chapter 2 is a great place to start.
Challenge: Love does. What can you do to be the arms and legs of Jesus to a supposed ‘Gentile’?
