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Ephesians 2:11-22 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
Say this with me, "I am Citizen Saint!" Say it again, this time with enthusiasm! Yes, let the caffeine do its work in you, o weak of flesh! Now, let's see what that means according to God's Word in this passage. First, in Christ Jesus, we, who were once far from God in more ways than one, are now living with God. We were "aliens" and "strangers" to the covenants of promise, and we were living as "hopeless" people. You may not even have been able to see that you would land where you are because of Jesus Christ; it may not have been on the horizon for you, or so you thought. Now, as Citizen Saint, you have peace; that deep-seated and firmly grounded peace that no one but Jesus Christ can give. You have it, use it! You are now a part of the Body of Christ and you should see no differences in other believers - you are one people! You are part of the new humanity that lives above divisions, barriers, obstacles, and differences. You are a nonviolent person. You are now a citizen with other "saints" (Believers in Christ Jesus), and a member of God's household. What an address to have! You're in the rich zip code now! Your life is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." You are a true spiritual being, growing in love all the time, because God lives in you!
PRAYER: Awesome and Loving God, live in me, and grant to my heart, mind, spirit and soul the promises shared above because I do want to be Citizen Saint. I want to live and share all that is mine in faith with those who do not yet have faith. And I ask this in the Name of He who saved me, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
