SUMMER REBOOT – this podcast was originally published in the new year, on 8 January 2019.
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Hi, it’s Mick here and welcome to Tuesday’s Podcast. Today we continue our reflections on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Our reading is Ephesians 2:17-22 which you can hear before the worship song. Question: What is the fresh word from this Bible reading that God has for you and me today? Five amazing verses to ponder but a particular one to reflect upon today.
(V17) He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
REFLECTION:
‘Peace’ is a word that sums up all the blessings Jesus brings to our lives. Today, you and I can experience and enjoy God’s peace as we go about our day.
As yesterday, listen to these truths…
Without Jesus… ‘strangers or outsiders’ (v.19, MSG).
With Jesus… ‘access to the Father by one Spirit’ (v.18). ‘fellow-citizens with God’s people’ / ‘members of God’s household’ (v.19)
‘a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’ (v.22).
It is through Jesus that we can know God in our lives today; that we can know his Holy Spirit at work in us today bringing forgiveness, love, joy, and peace.
Question: ‘Who is Jesus?’; the answer to this question is the foundation of our lives. Popular culture reveals that Jesus is good – there are many outside the church who believe that; the bible teaches that Jesus went around doing good (Acts 10:38) but also that Jesus is God – there are many inside the church who believe just that; perhaps an intellectual understanding that Jesus is God. However, the New Testament goes much further; it is clear in its proclamation that Jesus is indeed good, that he is God but also that Jesus is Lord. As Lord he has supreme authority over his church and over the lives of his disciples – you and me.
What does this mean to us today? Here are three foundational truths we have taught consistently at STC over the years but which we all need to hear again. As Lord, Jesus brings us provision, protection and peace; provision – all we need he will supply; protection – he stands with us and defends us in the battles and storms of life. Knowing that Jesus is our provider and protector means we can live each day in a third great truth – Jesus brings us peace.
(V17) He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
How wonderful to know that each day Jesus brings us his peace. A confidence to live each day with his arms around me, his voice directing me and his joy within me – now that’s peace! It’s a peace which this world cannot give but is freely available to me and you right now. Every day we have a choice to make – to live with disappointment or thankfulness; with sadness or joy; with worry or peace. If you’re part of STC you will have heard me say many times that many years ago I deleted the word ‘disappointed’ from my vocabulary – it can often lead to regret, resentment and even bitterness. A ‘disappointment’ is only an opportunity for a Godly new appointment! I decide as a conscious decision to choose thankfulness every day – and that releases joy in my life!
However there are times when I still worry (never about ‘stuff’, usually about the family); times when I feel sadness when I look at the state of the world with its conflict and at the church in our nation and particularly its inability to reach young people. But again, hard though it may be sometimes, I make a conscious decision to choose thankfulness and joy each day, as I look to Jesus my provider, protector and peace; – it sets the sail and rudder for my day and I’m ready for whatever the day brings – usually! Knowing his peace gives my life his purpose. So, why don’t we together choose thankfulness and joy today and this week and see what happens! It could be a life changing Tuesday folks!
PRAYER:
Jesus, I welcome you afresh into my life today as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that you are my provider, my protector and my peace. Help me to give thanks for this wonderful truth as I step into and enjoy all you have in store for me today! Amen
READING: Ephesians2:17-22
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.