Jesus Rescued His People Who’ve Gone Astray: An Ephesians 2 Devotional
“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
A Story of Rescued Strays
There are few things more heartwarming than seeing a video of a stray kitten find a home. Often times, the kitten is underfed, dirty, and abandoned. Its squeaky mewling takes on a desperate tone as it wanders the street. Until it is found. Then it’s rescued by someone who takes it home, bathes it, and feeds it.
Every so often, a stray kitten will be too small for solid food. It will be taken to a shelter or cattery where a nursing mama cat is available. Then comes a moment of suspense: will the mama accept the kitten? Or will she swat it away? You can’t help but lean closer to the screen, waiting in anticipation for the mama cat to make her decision.
Ephesians 2: We were Strays Until Jesus Rescued Us!
According to the Bible, we were also strays. We were sinful and excluded as outsiders from God’s promises until Jesus rescued us. Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Jesus’s work on the cross allows us to enjoy a relationship with the Father. Instead of being foreigners, we are now able to be citizens of heaven.
Furthermore, we also have access to God’s promises throughout the Bible. This gives us a reason to hope. Through Christ, we are able to not only have a relationship with God but also receive eternal life as well as the many other blessings God guarantees for His people.
Love Gives a Stray a Home
In most cases, the mama cat accepts the stray kitten as her own. She cleans its fur, cuddles it, and invites it to nurse with her natural born kittens. When a mama cat does this, it become a beautiful act of love, nurture, and sacrifice.
Like a mama cat accepting a stray, Jesus also welcomes us. He washes away our sin and shame with His blood, comforts us, and calls us into close relationship with Him and the Father. We are no longer strays but children of God who are loved, valued, and set apart to honor Him.
Key Takeaways:
- We were once far from God but we’ve been brought us near through the blood of Christ
- Through Jesus, we have eternal life and access to the promises of God, which brings hope
- Jesus rescues us, comforts us, and calls us into relationship with the Father
- We are loved, valued, and set apart to honor God
Prayer: Thanking God that Jesus Rescued Me
Father God, I thank you that I’ve been brought near to you through the blood of Christ. I’m so grateful that Jesus rescued me and that I’m now able to enjoy a relationship with you. Father, I pray that you would help me to feel close to you. Make me aware of your presence in my life. Show me how I can deepen my relationship with you. Help me to live a holy life that brings you joy. Use me to share the good news with others and help them to also draw near to you.
Lord, I love you and desire to grow in my faith. I pray that you would continue to be present in my life, speak your truth into my heart through your Spirit, and bless my walk of faith. I pray these things in Jesus name, amen!
Explore the blog to find more encouraging devotionals about God’s transformative love.
Noelle Williams
Nice to meet you, friend! I'm a Christian and inspirational blogger. I write Christian living tips, devotionals, and prayers to encourage my fellow believers in their journey of faith.
