“In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
I was once far off from God. I lived my life with not a single thought toward God or spiritual things. People were only useful to me for what they could do to make my life happy. All of my thoughts were about me, me, and me.
How about you?
Once, when leaving my parents home to strike out on my own, I borrowed a Bible. I was curious about it, but became immediately discouraged when I read the Old Testament law. So, I gave the Bible back and moved on with my life. The Bible didn’t bring me near to God.
I worked in a place that rented its facilities out to private groups for parties. Once in a while a church or Christian group would come in. A pastor who was there told me he was praying for me. But I didn’t want anything to do with them. His prayer didn’t bring me near to God.
Then, one day, someone explained the Gospel to me. And I began to realize that the only way for me to draw near to God was to be forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus. Now, I realize, I have been brought near to God through the blood of Jesus. And because the blood of Jesus has brought me near, now I can understand the scripture as it was meant to be understood. Now I can have relationships beyond my own personal agenda, because of the love of Jesus expressed in the shedding of his blood. My life is radially changed. If not for the blood of Jesus, I would have no hope.
How about you?
Memory Verse
“Through him we both 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 members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:18-19).
Application
Do you feel far away from God? Sin keeps us from God. Ask God to forgive your sin because of the blood of Jesus. Then, list the ways that your life has changed because of the blood of Jesus shed for you. Take time in prayer to thank God for what he has done in each area of your life.