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11 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— 12 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 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. 15 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, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. (Ephesians 2:11-22 NRSV)
Dear Friend, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus be with you and yours. I write to request prayers for The Rev. Virgilio Vasquez Garza, retired pastor of the Rio Texas Conference, who faces a very delicate and much needed eye surgery today at 8 a.m. (Tuesday, 7/16/2024). A previous surgery placed a tube in his eye and now the tissue around it is dissipating and this surgery is to prevent bacteria from coming in and causing permanent damage. Please pray the surgery does what it needs to do and that our brother's vision is saved. Pray for one another and for those who have asked prayers of us. May the Lord bless you in your needs.
Who among us was able to choose what nationality and economic status at the time of our birth? All of us did NOT have that option. We were born as it happened. For some it has worked out well; for others it has been not as nice. And current times have some groups fighting with much anger against others because they were born different than they. In fact, the entire history of humanity has been group against groups. This passage occurs during such a time. The Apostle Paul knew of this division as he was born a Jew and lived in a society ruled by Romans. As a Jew he had been taught the do's and don'ts of how to interact with the Gentiles; those who were born non-Jews. And as his ministry took off, he discovered he was having much success among the Gentiles, much to the displeasure of the Jews in power. As they found salvation and meaning in Jesus Christ, they were now becoming a part of those who while previously exclude, are now included, and are rejoicing in the hope of joy of that knowledge that has come through Jesus. They have gone from being called "uncircumcised," they are now included in all things of Jesus. Jesus, Paul asserts, has brought those who were once far off are now brought near. Jesus has brought peace to those who before did not know peace. Jesus has abolished the law and all the commandments in order to create a new humanity, a unity of the once divided now united in one body; from strangers and aliens, now brothers and sisters, citizens also with the saints and also members of the household of God.
In this passsage, Paul has painted a vivid picture of the transformative power of Christ’s reconciling work. He addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting how Christ’s sacrifice not only brought forgiveness of sins but also united disparate groups into one body—the body of Christ.
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers, once Gentiles who were excluded from the promises of Israel, that through Christ they have been brought near to God. The hostility and division that once separated them have been dismantled by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. He is the source of peace, reconciling both Jews and Gentiles into one new humanity, thereby creating a community where all are welcomed and valued. Everyone welcome. Everyone in. No one left out.
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the reconciliation we have received through Jesus Christ. You have torn down the walls of division and hostility that separate us from one another and from You. Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your love and the peace that Christ brings. May we live as citizens of Your kingdom, united in one Spirit, and built together into a dwelling place for Your presence. Empower us to extend this message of reconciliation to others, that they too may experience the peace found only in Christ. In Jesus’s strong name we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider any divisions or prejudices you might hold towards others, and ask God for healing and understanding. Seek opportunities to promote unity and peace within your community, church, or workplace. Extend Christ’s love to those who may feel like outsiders or strangers, demonstrating through your actions that in Christ, all are welcome and valued. Let us be agents of reconciliation, bringing hope and healing in a world longing for unity.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
