JOINING THE HOUSEHOLD
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household.
Ephesians 2:17-19 (NIV)
"...that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
John 17:21 (ESV)
As the youngest of six siblings, I was blessed to grow up in a family where my mom and dad provided for our basic needs: meals, clothes, and a home. They also created an environment where my siblings and I shared bedrooms and bathrooms, ate together, played together, and learned the rhythms of family life. We were also blessed with outings like the community pool and church. My parents made sure we learned about Jesus at church and at home. Though we had plenty of household conflicts and challenges, we still experienced stability, protection, provision and belonging as one family centered on faith in God.
In the Ephesians passage, Paul teaches Gentile believers in Ephesus that God was at work through Christ to bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Through Jesus, those who were once far away are brought near and joined together as one family, with Christ as the head. Paul helps them see their identity as fellow citizens with God's people and members of His household. Though Gentiles were once outside God's covenant promises given to Israel, God has made salvation available to all so that, through faith in Jesus and His blood shed for our sin, both are made one body in Christ.
That picture of God bringing outsiders near and joining different people into one household reminds me of how my family has grown. We began with parents and children under one roof, but over time, we welcomed in-laws, children of our own, and dear friends. Though our stories, personalities and backgrounds vary, our deepest commonality, oneness and joy are found in the centrality of Christ. In a greater way, God has joined Jews and Gentiles together through faith in Jesus, making us one family of believers who share the blessings of belonging to Him.
APPLICATION: Think of someone whom God has placed in your path. Pray for an opportunity to show His grace and kindness to them.
PRAYER: God, use me to demonstrate Your goodness to someone who needs to know You. Help me reflect the peace and joy of being a member of Your household so others may see the beauty of belonging to You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?