May 4I n One House

Epesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
 
“SO then” Paul writes. This is his transition to summarize the “one’s” of verses 1-18:  As we have focused on the “one’s” of this chapter, we have been reminded of the one problem (1) of sin that separates us from God. Then Paul taught how God’s love is the one reason (2) we can now be one in Jesus (3). In response we can be one with God in our good works (4) for his people.
    In great wonder, we stopped to consider how we are one in Jesus’ blood (5) forgiven of our sins. We rejoiced that all those saved in his blood can live as one in Jesus’ peace (6) drawn to Christ and his church in the one power of the Holy Spirit (7).
    Now, in essence, if I may paraphrase, Paul says, “Welcome home! Because God has made you one with him, you are welcome in God’s house. Yes, you get to live with Life Himself! You are no longer unwelcome because of your dirty sin. But you are cleansed in Christ’s blood. In the Spirit’s power the doorway of Heaven has been opened for you.” Do you grasp the wonder?
    For many years I have had this picture: The Lord God is standing at the door of his heavenly mansion. Outside along the highways and byways of earth are the multitudes of humanity passing his door. None are aware of God’s house. No one knows him. But then...but then in his love, mercy, and grace the Lord God calls out, “I am here. I am your God, your Creator. Come into my home. Be one with me. Believe in my Son, and you will enter through his blood shed for you, his life resurrected for you. Walk, then, in my Spirit’s power. Come and be at home with me.”
    When people come, they know the Son, the Spirit and the Father. They are, as Paul says, “no longer strangers and aliens” passing by. But all who enter into the Father’s house are now “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
    Each person who comes in can trust the house will stand. Its construction is guaranteed because it is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” Even more, Christ Jesus himself (is) the cornerstone.” The house of God is unshakeable. He has chosen you to live there with him in “a holy temple in the Lord… a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
    God has acted that you may forever live with him. What do you think? Does this move you in any way to move more closely to God?
 
Prayer: Father, I thank you for welcoming me into your eternal House. You are Spirit, Savior and Master. I worship you. In everlasting joy, I give thanks. Amen.