Ephesians 2:11-13 — I Reckon you look a lil' Silly

READ THIS: Ephesians 2:11-13

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

We've talked about this a few times in the other books we have covered, but this section of Ephesians talks about the Jews, the Gentiles, and a fancy church word called reconciliation (reckon-silly-ay-shun)! Before Jesus, the Jews were God's chosen people, separate from the rest of the world (the Gentiles). No matter how broken they were, God continued to love and fight for His people, and He still does today. The Jews set themselves apart from the rest of the world in many ways, and circumcision was one of those methods. 

So what's the difference now? Because Jesus came to the earth, died for our sins, and rose from the grave, being God's people is no longer about being set apart by circumcision. Now, being God's people is about believing in Jesus as our Savior and loving those around us like Jesus! 

That's where reconciliation comes in. "Reconcile" is a fancy way to say "make things right." Because of Christ's sacrifice, our relationship with God and others has been made right. We are no longer far away from God... we are His people, and we no longer are separated from Him by anything or anyone!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What about the way you live sets you apart from the people around you who don't believe in Jesus?

2. God gives us the best example of making things right through the way He loves us, even though we mess up A LOT. Who is someone you can reconcile with today?
 
TRY THIS:
 
Take some time to pray and thank Jesus for making things right with us. Thank Him for His sacrifice, and ask Him to help you love people the way He loves you.

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