Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Walking through Ephesians - Day 40

versebyverse | November 30, 2007 17:41

Thought:  To me, the universality of the gospel is a much-needed and very powerful quality.  It is available to all and helps each of us right where we are.

Question:  What does it mean to be "near" the Kingdom of God?

Scripture:  Ephesians 2:17 (NIV):  "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near."

Jews were nearer, I suppose, because of their exposure to the things of God, especially the Law.  Christ told certain ones in the gospels that they were "near" the Kingdom of God.  Usually it was due to their great faith.  Gentiles were "far away" because of lives lived with no tradition of Law or heritage in the things of God.  But Jesus preached to both.  This is the beautiful thing about God.  He is no respecter of persons.  All need Him universally.  The message of the preaching was, and ever is, peace.  What another beautiful thing about God!  He loves everyone and He brings everyone peace!!  In His love He provides peace, and it unites those who were "near" to those who were "far away", closing the gap.

Prayer:  Lord, where would we be if You had not "come" to "preach" to us?  We would yet be separated from others and struggling with hostilities.  Thank You for bringing us out of such strife with Your gospel of peace.  Amen.

Comments

Add comment
 
Accessible and Valid XHTML 1.0 Strict and CSS
Powered by LifeType - Design by BalearWeb - Hosted by New Technologies.