Ephesians 2:11-22; Psalm 68:1-6

Ephesians 2:11-22
The Ephesians were Gentiles (non-Jews). The Jews looked down on Gentiles and considered them outsiders and unclean. Paul tells them that Jews and Gentiles alike are unclean when living apart from Christ, without God and without hope. But now they (and we) have been united with Christ Jesus. We were once far away from God, but now we have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

Christ has brought peace to us who are believers by breaking down all barriers--the wall of hostility that separates. "He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death." vv. 15-16

In one sense the Jews were near to God because they knew about Him and worshiped Him through their ceremonies; the Gentiles were far away because they knew little about Him. Yet, neither group could be saved by their good works. The Good News brings peace to anyone who believes. "Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us." v. 18.

vv. 19-22 use several illustrations to help us understand what it means to be a Christian, to be a part of Christ's body, the church:

• We are no longer strangers or foreigners, but citizens.
• We are members of God's family.
• We are His house built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ Himself is the cornerstone. We are a holy temple for the Lord--"the dwelling where God lives by his Spirit." 

Psalm 68:1-6
This is a victory psalm recalling a time when God gave a great victory to Israel and her enemies were scattered.

vv. 3-4 talk about what happens when we make a practice of living in God's presence and praising Him.

• We rejoice.
• We are glad.
• We are filled with joy.

Think about this! The world around us is filled with sadness, anger, violence, anxiety, fear, etc. When we dwell in God's presence, we don't have to live like that.

vv. 5-6 remind us of some of God's great kindnesses toward His children. These also are a great comfort for us.

• He is a Father to the fatherless.
• He is a defender of widows.
• He places the lonely in families.
• He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

Remember that God's mercy is not confined to the examples above. He protects and provides for all of us. He knows our troubles and our needs, and we can trust Him!