Separated within, separated between, and separated from God
By Dean Collins
Separated within, separated between, separated from God. I think that is a reasonable summary of what Paul sought to address in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul used other words: “You were once far off but have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” If you read the whole letter you understand that the peace that Jesus is and that Jesus brought is the one thing that can and will reconcile all of the separation problems we have internally, with each other, and with God.
Jesus breaks down the barriers and creates access to God and each other, and that makes possible unity with God and each other. Paul’s words again: “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Our choice
We have access but we must choose to enter into the one relationship that can change everything. Paul will later remind us that there is a war going on. We sometimes forget or only pay attention to the wars we hear about or read about in the news: the war in the Ukraine, the war within our culture, the war of political parties both within their party and between parties as they each promise to make things better for our country. But don’t think for a minute that the war Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6 isn’t the main war that stirs all wars.
The enemy seeks to separate us from God, from knowing ourselves, and from peace between all humans. Yet we too often forget the spiritual battle and default to our human systems and inflated confidence in ourselves to solve what only God can reconcile through Jesus.
Paul said that Jesus came to preach peace to those far off and those near. Both the nonbeliever and those with spiritual and religious history are included. Both need the peace that only Jesus brings.
Firm foundation
Before we can be strong in the Lord, as Paul says in Ephesians 6, and before we can put on the whole armor of God to gird up for the battle, we need to secure our footing on a firm foundation. Paul explained that we have been given access to God through Christ and consequently shifted our position with both God and each other. We were once aliens and strangers, but now we are members of the same household. And we now stand on a firm foundation with Jesus himself being the cornerstone that holds us together.
According to Ephesians we move from strangers to family, we form the body of Christ together, and then we grow into a dwelling place for God by his Spirit. Transformed by the power of the gospel and united in Christ, we must stop fighting each other. Our mission as ambassadors of the gospel and as brothers and sisters must be greater than all allegiances to any other cause. If we do not embrace our new identity in Christ focusing on the purposes of God, our isms can quickly turn to idols. When that happens the world sees anger, separation, and pride which detracts from the good news we possess.
Lord, help us today to understand the royal position we have as members of your family. Forgive us for the idols we create when fighting for our causes instead of embracing the unity possible through Christ. Thank you for making it possible for us to know peace, to live peace, and to offer your peace to others through Jesus. Draw us together as one so that we might accomplish the mission you have given us to share the good news of Jesus far and wide until your return. Amen
Your time with God’s Word
Ephesians 2:13-22 ESV
Photo by Liza Summer at pexels.com
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