OH… today’s Scripture, Ephesians 2:11-22, brings such joy to my heart.

To review, Chapter 2 is talking about the church (believers in Jesus) as a temple (as in comparing it to a building). We have looked at the “before and after” picture in Ephesians 2:1-10 which comprises the material for the temple – the people who were dead spiritually who are now alive in Christ.

Verses 11-22 talk about the method and meaning of construction of this temple, God’s church. Why does that excite me?

Disabled at age 3 with progressing health issues as I grew older means that I have known what it means to be an outsider and sometimes even an outcast. No, do not feel sorry for me. I know that many of you have and are experiencing the same thing. It may seem that we never really belong, even in the church. Apart from the obvious pain that brings, it can even seem as if we are not a full member of God’s church. It can feel as if we are not a vital member of the body, as if we don’t have purpose.

This passage brings hope! Read verses 11-12. The Gentiles knew what it meant to be outsiders.

Then, look at the very, very important word in the beginning of verse 13-14. We who have trusted Christ are no longer outsiders. We have been “brought near” by the blood of the Messiah. Yes, it is referring to the Gentiles in this verse. I am so grateful that Jesus came for both Jews and Gentiles. He came for all and we are all one in Him. Galatians 3:27-28 also talks about how we are all one in Jesus Christ. This means that those of us who are disabled, chronically ill, care-givers, isolated are also “insiders.” We are no longer outsiders.

As we read through the remainder of the chapter, verses 15-22, we will continue to see that we are united in Christ. United. We all have purpose and are all part of this wonderful thing called the church. This is what excited me.

We will be looking at these verses more closely, but for today we see the overview of unity. We see a glimmer of hope that we are a vital part of the body of Christ. With God, there are no outsiders. What joy this brings to my heart. Praise His Name!