Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”
What a privilege. We "who were once far away have been brought near". On many levels this is amazing. The first thing that jumps in my mind is psychologically. There is much talk about that today. Descriptions of not being heard or seen or not having a place to fit.
The picture of one being lonely or detached can be seen. We were in a sorry place. Isolated from God and others. Some were depressed, angry or both. We may have been embattled. The devil and the world grind us down and make the situation worse.
I've painted a picture of one wounded and far off. Sometimes we are far off and wild and dangerous. This clearly means those in the world of crime, but there are many who abide by laws who are cruel and hurtful. We are guilty of hurting others.
"But God!" Earlier in Ephesians 2 it describes how lost we were, then it says "But God" and describes how He reached and in His mercy and saved us. Genesis 50:20 is another great, "But God" passage. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." We were far from Him in a bad place, but God brought us near by the blood of Christ.
Today's passage is one verse, but the entire bible tells the story. It begins with creation, then the fall and the entire Old Testament gives examples for us, but also speaks of the coming Messiah. Then He comes and is so loving and then sheds His blood for us. The disciples are in shock. He comes to comfort them and describes that He had to die. Then the book of Acts shares how they boldly went into the world and shared the good news.
Then it becomes personal when He comes to us in that far off state. He tells us He cares. We may have been beaten up mentally or by substances or abuse. He reaches down and binds up those wounds. He tells us to follow Him. Thankfully He gave us the faith to do so.
God helped us up and brought us near. Spiritually He gives us a seat and a good meal and a promise to care for us forever.
The "brought near" needs some description. Because we were in sin and separated from God. Jesus' blood took our guilt and allowed God to forgive us and wipe the slate clean. A huge burden was lifted. But more than that, we were adopted by God and near to Him.
Romans 8:15-17 describes our relationship with God, 'For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.' Listen to that closeness and fellowship with God. This would blow away all those who are trying to connect with God by erroneous means. It's real. The hurt, damaged soul gets this connection and healing.
This relationship is just the beginning. It gets better and better. Our path gets closer and closer to Him. We'll get so close to Him that death is a short leap into His presence in heaven. So we'll be with Him forever.
Lord, thank You for bringing us near. Thank You for seeing us in our wounded state. You've also taken us even though we've caused pain in others and called us. Thank You or putting us on a good path. One of healing and fellowship. Thank You, God.