Reflections based on Ephesians 2:1–22.

This passage provides us with a wonderful picture of how God stepped down and, through His grace, picked us up. The keys to understanding our salvation and new standing before God are His grace and our faith. Verse 8 reminds us of this, that we have been saved because of Him but we had to exercise our faith – and still do. We haven’t done anything to deserve it and yet He has created us to do good works. Isn’t it incredible to think about how verse 6 tells us we have been seated in heavenly places with Christ? This means we now share in His inheritance, as daughters and sons of God. I heard a speaker say that he pictures being seated next to God: ‘having his ear like a child does their parents’ ears’. I love that. It reassures us that our prayers are being heard.

The second half of today’s reading widens out to show how God reconciles both Jew and Gentile in His one family and that those of us who believe are now being built together into a holy temple – isn’t that amazing! God’s presence is no longer confined to a physical temple but dwells in us. This is also a good reminder that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Optional further reading: Ephesians 1:3–14; Galatians 4:1–7.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that, in You, we are made alive – and are also grafted into Your one, united, family. Amen.