READING: Ephesians 2:11-16
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (which is done in the body by human hands) – remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
REFLECTION
It's Monday! For most people, the first day of our working week. We continue our reflections on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The teaching in the Bible is so relevant for today's busy, modern world. A reminder of the context of this letter.

Ephesus was the London of its day. A major trading and business centre with a vibrant, busy 24/7 harbour; a cosmopolitan city with many people from many nations gathering there. Paul set up ha base there for two years, planted a church and spread the message of Jesus throughout the region planting other small churches, cluster size, probably meeting in homes . This letter to the Ephesians was read out and studied in these communities.

Paul writes to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.

Paul summarises his gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone and describes the nature and role of the church in God’s eternal plan.

Without Jesus ... ‘outsiders to God’s ways’ (v.11, MSG) 'separate from Christ’ (v.12a) ‘foreigners to the covenants of the promise’ (v.12b) ‘without hope’ / without God in the world’ (v.12c) ‘far away’ (v.13) separated by the ‘dividing wall of hostility’ (v.14b)

With Jesus ... ‘brought near through the blood of Christ’ (v.13) ‘reconciled to God through the cross’ (v.16)

It is Jesus who makes the difference. We are made alive with Christ (v.5). We are raised up with Christ (v.6). We are saved through faith in Christ (v.8). (Last week) It is in Christ Jesus that we are brought near (v.13).

The only command that Paul gives us in this passage is simply to ‘remember’ this amazing transformation that Jesus brings to our lives (vv.12–13). So often we can forget that being a Christian is all about what Jesus has done for us, and get caught up in what we are doing..

This week week as we prepare for our first Foundations Training session on Saturday, a key time in the life of our church, this passage helps us to stop, remember, and give thanks to our amazing saviour for all he has done for us. Enjoy your Monday!
PRAY
Lord, thank you for your great love for us. Thank you that you are rich in mercy and have made us alive with Christ. Thank you for the utter transformation you bring to our lives.