Daily Reading: 6-21-16
Ephesians 2:11-22 Tree of Life
Today, we continue our celebration of the Pentecost season of the Church where we recognize the work of the Ruach; the Holy Spirit. Jesus made a way for all of humanity—Jews and non-Jews or Gentiles—to enjoy fellowship with God and love for one another; no more hostility for our differences because Christ is making us all a part of himself. Jesus Messiah is the Cornerstone of Peace; he brought together two groups of people with God and began the work of building them up into One body in the Spirit.
The Jews experienced the nearness of God and His faithful love through moral obedience to the Torah Scriptures and religious ceremonies He set forth, but in Christ they would repent and experience the freedom to really enjoy human life while still pleasing God. The Gentiles passionately lived out their humanity and knew nothing about a holy God or what pleased Him, but in Christ they would repent and now be free to draw near and learn how to live in His moral standards while still enjoying life. These two groups of people were given the opportunity to turn to a God-driven life, merge through the Spirit, and become the temple of the Lord; God’s dwelling place. It is the work of the Spirit to form us into men and woman who bow to Christ’s authority and express holy love. Now, in Christ, we can all live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). God desires that no one be excluded, because this life Christ gives is abundant or beyond measure (John 10:10). The Spirit is our Guide.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Ephesus and reminding them of Christ’s purpose to bring people together. We share One thing in common; the love of the Father, the work of Christ’s cross (repentance/sacrifice) and the power of the Spirit to unite us and make us One so we can enjoy abundant life as a family.