January 2, 2023

"But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13, ESV)

"I have been brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ!" Now that is a reason to remember and celebrate! As you prepare to receive communion today, remember that it is the blood of Jesus that allows you to draw near. Take a moment to remember you were far away.

There is a story in Luke, chapter 16, about a rich man and Lazarus. Both men die. But only one is brought close to God. The other is close enough to see and hear—yet is separated by a great chasm. You, too, were once separated from God by a great divide and unable to cross over. But thanks be to God for sending His Son across the chasm to redeem us. It is His blood and faith in that blood that allows us to draw near to God. The prodigal was once far away. The lost sheep was once far away. The lost coin was once far away. But you have been brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ because He wanted you near!

Who or what can now separate you from the love of God? Or maybe it is better to say—Who or what can now make you far away from God? Nothing! He left heaven to be near us…He became sin so that we could become righteous to be near us.

Declare with me, "I have been brought near through the blood of Jesus Christ!"