COCIN Devotional SATURDAY 15TH APRIL 2023

TEXT: EPHESIANS 2:11-18.

11 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),

12 that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Rom 9:4 [Luk 15:20]

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. [Joh 16:33] [Act 2:39] [Rom 5:1] [Heb 10:19]

14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, Isa 9:6 Mic 5:5 Joh 16:33 Act 10:36 Rom 5:1 Col 1:20 [Hos 1:11] [Luk 19:38] [Joh 11:52]

15 having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace,

16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility through it.

17 He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. Isa 57:19 Eph 3:12 [Luk 2:14] [Luk 15:20]

18 For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Joh 10:9 Joh 14:6 Rom 5:2 Eph 3:12 Heb 10:19

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we learned that the cross reconciles. Today’s text also reminds us that we were once uncircumcised Gentiles separated from the commonwealth of Israel, and not part of the covenant of God. But now that we are in Christ, the cross has reconciled the Jews and the Gentiles into one “new man” his church and made us a people of peace (Romans 5:1). He did this by breaking the wall of hostility and the veil thereby granting us access to God. This access enables us to partake in all the promises of God. Now that you have been reconciled to God, all the promises are yours to enjoy. Appropriate them through faith.

Are you still far off and an alien to God?

The door has been opened, the choice is yours.

Seek to be reconciled with God.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the open door. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH: HEBREWS 12:2

“…who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 CHRONICLES 1-5.