«YOU HAVE BEEN BROUGHT NEAR»
«But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ» (Ephesians 2:13, NIV).
CERTAIN SEPARATIONS have marked a turning point in human history. For instance, when Mark Antony left Octavia to be with Cleopatra in the year 36 BC, he fostered the right conditions for Octavian to defeat him, conquer Egypt, and become the first Roman emperor. The separation of Henry VIII of England from Catherine of Aragon (known in Spain as «Catherine the Catholic») in 1534 gave way to the establishment of the Anglican Church. The independence of North America’s colonies from the Crown of England in 1776 led to the emergence of the United States of America.
Of course, none of the previously mentioned separations can compare with the worst separation the universe has ever known: the separation of humankind from God, their Creator. This fateful division was not caused by the Creator, but by our actions. The prophet makes this clear when he says, «But your iniquities have separated you from your God» (Isaiah 59:2, NIV). Jeremiah adds that «[our] sins have kept these good things from [us]» (Jeremiah 5:25, GNT).
The stench of death that pervades every corner of this rebellious and corrupt planet is a result of our separation from the source of life. It has placed the world on the brink of a precipice. Bible commentator Matthew Henry hit the nail on the head when he wrote, «Sin … is exceedingly hurtful, separating us from God, and so separating us not only from all good, but to all evil.»»
Why then do we insist on living separately from the God of life? We were created to be close to our Creator; separation is not part of God’s plan for His creatures. That’s why our Father, who had nothing to do with our estrangement from Him, decided to solve the problem and tear down the solid barrier that our wickedness had built. How does God tear down that wall of separation? He stays close to us.
Let’s look at what the prophet Isaiah says regarding this: «My protector is nearby» (Isaiah 50:8, CEV). And Paul assures us, «But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ» (Ephesians 2:13, NIV).
Our separation brought our Savior to us and, with Him, nearness to the Father. Take advantage of that nearness; there’s no reason to stay far away.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate