He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:17-20
Ephesians 2 contains one of those important truths we need to both know—and be reminded of continually.
At least, I know I do.
Look at the beautiful truth communicated by the Holy Spirit in verse 15:
Christ came to preach peace to everyone. Both those who were far away and those who were near.
In other words, all of us—regardless of our past, our background, our heritage, or our assumptions—can receive both peace and forgiveness through the work of Jesus on the cross.
No matter how far you have run from Him.
No matter how long you have been running.
No matter how many times you got close but left.
No matter what has been said to you.
No matter how unworthy you feel.
Jesus came and preached peace to all of us.
You can have it, and you can experience it today. No matter whether you feel far or near, Christ offers relationship, life, and freedom to you.
And if that isn’t enough, look at the amazing promise He offers in addition to peace: We are no longer foreigners and strangers. We are fellow citizens with God’s people. Members of His own household.
What a gift. What a precious gift.
So be encouraged today. Yes, we were all separated from God by our sin. But through Christ, every single one of us can be restored to a relationship with Him.
No matter who you are, God loves you and has a plan for your life.
Believe it. Receive it. Live it.
Prayer
Thank You for the precious gift of peace. Thank You for offering that to me when I was far away from You. Help me remember that Your gift is available to all. May I be bold in both receiving it and sharing it. Amen.