One Family by His Blood

Friday 3 April
READ: Eph. 2:11-22
MORE LESSON: Gal. 3:26-29

Our texts vividly paint the picture of one’s state before one comes to know the Lord and the new position one assumes immediately one comes to God's Kingdom by the blood of Christ, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: v12. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: Eph. 2:19. What a great change, all by the blood of Jesus! Every believer in Christ Jesus actually belongs to the same family because all are washed by the same blood and born by the same Spirit. But sometimes in the church you see people tend to be tribal, associating with others like them and avoiding those who are different either by tribe, achievement, language or age.

But Paul the apostle emphasises, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us: v14. Dearly beloved, having broken down the wall that could separate us in church and in the Body of Christ, Jesus calls on everyone from different racial and national backgrounds, women, men, boys, girls, the rich, the poor, people with diverse political convictions, to be one. One of the supreme benefits of salvation is a sense of belonging; as you belong to God so you belong to His Church. New believers are just as much a part of the Church as old time members.

The Church of Christ is not a social club but a spiritual fellowship united by Jesus Christ through His blood. We are all fellow citizens and members of God's household. We all who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus must see ourselves first as members of the Household of God, joint heirs with Jesus and fellow brethren, regardless of race, colour, gender, language or tribe. Each time we do anything against this brotherhood we deny the power of the blood of Jesus and its privileges.

Prayer/Action
* Thank God for the gift of Jesus to mankind.
* Ask God to destroy anything that causes division in the Body of Christ and among believers.
* Ask God to reunite His Church and grant His children a sense of bonding by the blood of Jesus.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
O Lord, among the multitude, locate me for an unforgettable encounter this month, in the name of Jesus.