I once was an alien without a country. I wanted so much to be included with the people of God. When I entered the temple I could go no further than the court of the Gentiles. I could see the promises at a distance, but I did not know that I was included. Then Jesus came. He hung on a cross and reached out and grabbed the Jews with one hand and the Gentiles with the other and brought us near by His cross and blood. He took the two and made them into one new humanity. Reconciliation! Peace! Drawn by one Spirit to One Father! I am “no longer a stranger and alien, but I am a fellow citizen with the saints, and am a member of God’s family”. I, a Gentile, along with the Jews, am “growing into a holy temple in the Lord…am being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). Oh Jesus, thank You!
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:13-14; 18-19 NASB)
