Ephesians 2:19-22 New International Version (NIV)
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
When I read these verses, several phrases jump out to me: “no longer foreigners and strangers”; “members of his household” & “foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” When I think about these 3 phrases I really feel blessed & special.
“No longer foreigners and strangers”. That phrase brings attention to my changed status. I am part of the “in” group. Have you ever felt like a stranger, or out of place? Have you tried to just “fit in”? I have! I don’t want to stick-out. I want to feel like I belong. When Cindy & I go on vacation, I feel uneasy sometimes & out of place. I am not familiar with the area, or the customs. I am a foreigner and a stranger & that makes me uncomfortable. So when Paul tells me that I am “no longer a foreigner and stranger”, I relax and get excited because I belong!
“Members of his household”. Wow, we are family! No judgements. I was born into His household through the blood of Jesus Christ. He has included me and each one of us as part of His family. Now that is a special privilege. I am a part of God’s kingdom! Nothing is stronger than family & I am part of Christ’s Family! Now if that doesn’t make me feel special, then I am dead!
Finally, Paul says “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone.” I am included in the same house as the saints and God! What cause for joy & celebration knowing that a structure built with the disciples as the foundation & Jesus as the cornerstone can not be destroyed! And I am included! I am not a foreigner, I am a part of THE HOUSEHOLD.
I am special! I am in the “In Crowd.” We are special! We are part of God’s house. Now let’s party!
Dear God thank you for including me in your home. I know that I sometimes disappoint you, but I know since we are family that you forgive me. Please use me as your willing servant and disciple to bring more people home to our house. Amen
Jerry