Today, I am offering a reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In this particular portion of the letter, Paul is reminding both the Jews and the Gentiles that they belong to Christ. These two groups were often at odds with one another—butting heads, pointing fingers, thinking of the other as, “the other.” In the early church in Ephesus, hostility between these two groups was a very real thing.
It’s a passage written to a particular audience in a particular time and a particular place. And, I wonder if there also might be a reminder for us in these verses today. After all, God’s Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture thousands of years ago, and I wholeheartedly believe God’s Spirit still inspires us as its readers today.
So, throughout the episode, you are invited to listen and notice what you notice. Maybe think of the passage as a prayer. Once the reading is through, I’ll offer a few questions for your consideration, as you reflect on the reminders God might have for you in this passage. Feel free to pause, to rewind, or even revisit as you see fit. As always, I hope it serves you well.
A reading from Ephesians 2:12-22, as found in the New Revised Standard Version:
…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 into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, abolishing 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 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 fellow 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.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Does anything stand out to you in this passage? Maybe a word, image or phrase? A feeling or a question? What rises to the surface as you listen? Take a moment to consider what that might be for you.
What do you notice about your response to this passage? Do you resonate with it? Are you bothered by it? Both can be true, or you might notice something else entirely. Take a moment to welcome and sit with your response, whatever it may be.
Now, consider your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this very day. What reminder or invitation might God be offering you through this passage?
Finally, as you hold onto that reminder, what do you need from God?
Today, may God’s Spirit provide for each of us what it is we need as we seek to be reminders of God’s presence and love in the world around us and, together, continue to become the people God calls and invites us to be.