Verse for today – “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).”

Have you ever felt far from God? Do your prayers bounce back from the ceiling and echo in your mind as unheard and unanswered? Do you need hope in a broken and senseless world? In Paul’s day non-Jews were considered outsiders!  To highlight this fact, revisit verses 11 and 12 with me:

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called ‘Uncircumcision’ by the so-called ‘Circumcision,’ which is performed in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Eph 2:11-12).”

I know there are many people who acutely feel this separation from God and loneliness in life! This reality places today’s verse among the most beautiful words in the world. Jesus has opened the way into God’s presence for ALL to enjoy! All people groups are welcome. Every race; every color; all ages of humanity can come; and Christ will make them new. HE will bring you into the very presence of God. Yes, the chosen people in the Old Testament were descendants of Abraham; but Christ is God’s fulfillment of His promise to bless the whole world through Abraham’s descendants. In Christ you can be forgiven and that is not the only truth of great importance. As a result of this forgiveness, you are brought near to God! HE knows your name. HE hears your prayers. HE holds your future! You have been brought near to the source of life and joy. Consider the following illustration.

In my child-hood home the only heating was wood fires and there was no stove or fireplace in my bedroom. Therefore, I slept with thick blankets piled on and I always awoke with a plan. I knew that Dad had a fire blazing in the dining room. I calculated every move. I knew exactly how many steps and movements were required for me to leap from bed, put on clothes, and stand beside that fire. It might be a small exaggeration, but it seemed that the very thought of it warmed my soul. The point is this; just as the fire warmed my body, so the presence of God helps and heals human beings! God brought us near for a reason. Just as my Dad prepared the source of warmth for the family, so God brings us near to Himself to provide for our needs. Dear Reader, enter His presence today. If you are in Christ, you have been brought near. Speak with your Maker. Listen for His voice. Enjoy His presence. HE IS WAITING!