Overcome With Gratitude

Scripture
 
Eph. 2:11   So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Observation

This entire section written by Paul is a theological masterpiece that expresses the incredible mystery of the work of Christ. What Jesus has done for all of us is almost beyond imagination for we are transformed from aliens into “citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Because of the work of Christ we are invited into holy transformation as God’s children. Even a simple grasp of this leaves us with gratitude.

Application

There are times when we must simply stop and read the scriptures with awe. We can spend time describing the work that was accomplished, but our human words will always leave us lacking. There is so much more which lies beyond our comprehension and leaves us in a state of wonder.

The Lenten journey takes us with Jesus into the wilderness where his senses become heightened as he fasts. It is my prayer that as we journey through this season the same will begin to happen in our lives. We are invited to become more and more aware of the work of God in our midst. Our eyes and ears are to be open for those moments of God’s divine intervention or activity in our lives. It is in those moments that we are overcome with gratitude. We begin to see that God’s hand is at work in more ways than we ever would have thought possible.

Today, I’m simply in awe of the mysterious work of God that provides for my adoption into the holy family.

Prayer

Lord, I am grateful that I am a blessed child. Amen.