Ephesians 2:17-22
He also came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him, we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the Cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You came to us at your birth as a true man. Today is the beginning of the Epiphany season, the revelation of your divine nature as true God. Through the wise men’s arrival in Bethlehem, your baptism, the miracle at Canaan, and your transfiguration, your deity as true God was revealed.
Paul wrote how you came for all people to those far away or near. It is the same to everyone who hears this message; you promise us peace. You have paid the price for all our sins. So through the forgiveness, you made it possible to have access to both the Father and the Spirit. And it is through faith in you, which the Spirit started, we are restored to the Father. Heaven is open, and we are no longer outcasts, but we are sons and daughters of God.
We are not alone either. All those who believe in you are united in faith, making up the Church. We are built on the prophets’ prophecies and the apostles’ fulfillments. You are the Cornerstone. In you, all life is restored; you defeated death by your innocent death on the cross. We are the Church—all who are united in one thought and belief in you. Just as we are in you, you are also in us, and we become a dwelling place for God. Lord, please send your Spirit to be with us, giving us the courage to witness to others about your saving love, and they would be new building blocks for the Church. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus came for everyone who suffers from the weight of their sins to give them forgiveness, and from forgiveness-salvation and peace. Christ’s forgiveness is for you!