The Commonwealth of the Cross
Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called ‘Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands – remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13 NASB)
It sometimes a good exercise for appreciating today to reflect back on what life was yesterday. When I remember that time when my wife and I were told we would never have children of our own, I recall the hollow feeling of a lifetime without children and the helpless frustration of not being able to change that. I even wondered (aka worried) what my senior years yet some 50 years away would be like without children. We struggled to continue in our circle of dear friends because the dominant topic always seemed to be their children. We would sit in silent pain wishing for a child to keep us up at night or mess up the house. Years later, the Lord proved doctors wrong and blessed us with four children, now adults who know Jesus. Strolls down memory lane can be so sweet.
When Paul instructs us to remember what life was like when we were unbelieving Gentiles, He speaks of five realities: separated from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth, strangers to God’s covenantal promise, having no hope, and without God in our lives. Uh. I have to say, this is not a sweet trip down memory lane to go back that far. The point that is being made however is to underscore our total disconnect from God.
Sadly, we did not know these truths about ourselves. Tragically, even if we did, we could not do nothing about it. Yet that was not to be our permanent existence. Something would change all that. What? Christ came!
Dear reader. Think of your life right now please. Are you still in the past before Christ came? Do these short phrases describe your life: separate from Christ – excluded – stranger – having no hope – without God? If so, then this is a life yet in sin and its deadly consequences. Do you really want to continue on in that shadow? Would you surrender to the Gospel, believing in Jesus and His life giving blood so that it may be said that you too have been brought near by the blood of Chris.
Or perhaps you are one who has been brought near by the blood of Christ by faith in His saving grace. Today is a celebration for you. Remembering back invigorates you to thank the Lord Jesus Christ and causes you to breathe with the breath of life knowing that once you were dead but now are alive in the family of God.
