Tuesday, 21 January 2020

The two greatest words

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Question of the day: What are the two greatest words in the Bible?

Answer: "But now." These are the first two words in Ephesians 2:13, but before we get appreciate "but now," let's set the stage as to why these two words are so important.

Paul describes a very sorry state of affairs. Ephesians 2:11-12 "Therefore, keep in mind that once you - Gentiles in the flesh - were called "uncircumcision" by those called "circumcision" (which is performed on flesh by hand). At that time you were separate from Messiah, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world."

Did you catch that? "Having no hope and without God in the world." That is a description of being lost. We were separated from the promises of God. Not included in the blessings of Abraham or any of the other forefathers. We needed a savior.

So we all cry out, "Hosana," that is, "save us now" and God sends His own Son to do just that. (Now we're ready for "but now.")

Ephesians 2:13-14a "But now in Messiah Yeshua, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. For He is our shalom, the One who made the two+into one and broke down the middle wall of separation."

That's right, more good news. Now we are all included. What a blessing to have an inheritance in the promises first made to Israel, but now, through Yeshua's once for all time sacrifice, "You who were once far off are brought near by the blood of Messiah."

The blood supplies life to every tissue in the body. We are all born outside the body. We are born again into the body of Messiah where His blood (not Adam's blood) nourishes us to life. Todah Abba (thank You, Father).