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Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh,
called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision...
remember that you were at that time separated from Christ,
alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers
to the covenants of promise, having no hope
and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12 ESV
Jews vs. Gentiles.
Circumcised vs. uncircumcised.
Those of the family of Israel vs. everyone else.
Jesus came to bridge the gap.
Make a Way for all to become one.
It was the plan all along.
God chose Abraham to bless all nations.
"Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house
to the land that I will show you. And I will make you a great nation,
and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:1-3 ESV
Abraham, in obedience, followed God to the place He would show him, all for the express purpose of making the way for Jesus to come and bless all nations. Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, the patriarchs of the family of Israel that became a great nation.
But over the years, on the way to Jesus, the difference between Jew and Gentile was highlighted. Through their law and their prophets, through their special relationship with God, the world could see the nation of Israel was different. Even during exile they had hope of restoration.
Through the one chosen people, the family of Israel, came Jesus.
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near. For through him we both
have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:17-18 ESV
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), in this Jew and Gentile stand on common ground: spiritually far off from God.
Through faith and trust in Jesus --- His sacrifice, His blood, His resurrection --- we now all have access to the Father by way of the Holy Spirit. Jesus made the Way for all to draw near.
Like Abraham and the nation of Israel, let us be a way for Him to bring others near.
How can you be a bridge today? to those who are far off from Him?
Father God, help me to remember I was once far from You with no hope in the world. Bless me with the faith and trust to follow You where You lead, to obey, and be a blessing to others. Amen.
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