Included at Last

Ephesians 2:11-22

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. (Eph. 2:13)

WHEN OUR FAMILY MOVED to a new city our children didn't have any friends. It was especially difficult for Nathan, our sixth grader. After a few days in the new school, he came home with sad news: "No one plays with me at recess, Mom." I was heartbroken. Not included. Rejected! There is nothing worse. I prayed that God would open the way so the other children would include him. One day Nathan told me after school, "Greg asked me to play ball today, Mom." I was relieved. At last, Nathan was accepted by his classmates. This is a picture of us before we came to Christ.We were outside Christ's fold, separated from God. There was no way we could break in or change our situation. However, God made a way through His Son. To be included, we accept God's provision of salvation, the blood of Jesus.We repent, expressing sorrow for our sins. Next,we exercise faith, believing what the Bible said about the efficacy of Christ's blood. This leads to regeneration; our spirits are made alive to godly purposes. God's salvation delivers us from Satan's power, making us a new creation, and giving us a brand-new heart. We stand before God justified. At last, we are included, ready for a purpose-filled life and a glorious eternity beyond.

Jewell Johnson

If you have not been brought near, pray and invite Jesus into your heart today.