No Longer an Outcast

Ephesians Series Ephesians 2:17-22

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17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:13-16

Oh, to be included!

I just celebrated another birthday!

I read my Facebook greetings from numerous people and felt so warm and included. I have been very diligent in reaching out to wish others a blessed birthday (when Facebook kindly reminds me!) and sometimes have felt a bit awkward greeting some I don’t really know.

I think that my words may not mean anything or may even feel intrusive when we don’t have a relationship.

I realize that I often feel sort of invisible or not part of “the group” when I post on social media. Sort of like an alien or stranger.

How sweet, then, to find several dozen greetings waiting for me on my day. I was especially delighted to see responses from several who don’t know me. Rather than feeling awkward that they reached out, I feel blessed that they took the time. (Note to self: Others probably experience the same blessing when I get over my barrier and extend love and grace!)

Does God really value me?

As humans, we are hard-wired to desire acceptance within a community of people who value us. In God’s household, we are all on equal footing as fellow citizens and saints.

No one is more important than another. Each one is equally valued and valuable and each plays an important role in accomplishing God’s purposes.

Part of God’s purpose involves fashioning a beautiful house or temple, not only for us but with and through us, the family of believers.

We are fitted together. This is the Greek word synarmologéō: to render close-jointed together, i.e. organize compactly:—be fitly framed (joined) together.

This reminds me of the way the Jewish temple was built. The huge stone blocks were cut and chiseled into shape at the quarry (which was higher up the mountain) and lowered by ropes into place. The stones were fashioned and positioned to perfectly fit together without mortar and were stabilized by their weight and the construction design. (See more here.)

Built like the Temple wall

When we stand in the truth of who we are in Christ and act according to Kingdom principles of righteousness, the Holy Spirit chisels away the worldly ways. As we fellowship with other believers with a focus on Jesus, we find that we fit together in ways we never could have imagined.

Just as each stone is uniquely designed for its place in the wall, we are each uniquely fashioned for a specific purpose and placement within the body of Christ. If one is missing or out of alignment, the entire structure is weakened and must compensate.

God is the Master Designer, Architect, and Builder. His hands craft us, not only to reveal His power and glory in our individual transformation but also to demonstrate the unifying power of the Spirit at work in the corporate whole.

Living with others without the rough edges

Christ dwells in each believer and He dwells in greater fullness in the body of His people. Imagine the strength and glory of a group of people who have allowed the Spirit to chisel away the rough edges so they can come together in a pure focus of honor and obedience to Christ!

What would it look like for Christians to truly walk in the peace of Christ, knowing that all are members of the same household and no one is a stranger or alien? How do we maintain the unity that He brought so that we remain sturdily built on the foundation of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets?

What would we have to lose by letting go of the things that cause offense and divide us?

Hmm. Perhaps holding on to factious ideologies keeps us immature so that we are not growing into a holy temple in the Lord. What if that attitude even desecrates the place where God desires to dwell–in the midst of His people? (That is painful to think and even more devastating to write.)

These words from Ephesians are still relevant 2,000 years later. God is at work in His body, and we need to be willing to let Him shape us so we fit together for His glory and purposes.

The world is watching!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Ephesians 2:10

How is God shaping you as an esteemed member of His household?

(c) Holly Craw 2022

Ephesians Series

• Conflict Management in Light of the Riches of Christ
• Treasure Hunting for Guaranteed Riches
• Today’s Grace-truths: Appetizers for Heaven’s Glories
• The Surpassing Greatness of God’s Power
• The Treasures of Heaven
• Coming out of the Fog into Magnificent Hope!
• I Am Not Perfect . . . But I Am NOT That Bad!
• Defeating Darkness and Death through Love and Life
• It’s Just the Way I Am . . . I Guess I am Stuck
• So My Goodness Doesn’t Count for Anything?
• Defying the Craftsman . . .and Missing the Glory!
• Can It Get Any Worse Than This?
• The Rest of the Story . . .But Now, . . . Reconciled!