Hi, it’s Mick here and welcome to Tuesday’s Podcast here at STC Sheffield. Our vision, our focus for 2018 is ‘Join Us in Building Community’ and today we continue our reflections on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 2:17-22 – you can hear the whole reading on this podcast after the worship song. What is the fresh word from this Bible reading God has for you and me today?

REFLECTION

Five amazing verses to ponder but a particular one to reflect upon today.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. V17

‘Peace’ is a word that sums up all the blessings Jesus brings to our lives. Christ came and preached ‘peace’ to everyone (v.17). Today, you and I can experience and enjoy God’s peace as we go about our day. As with yesterday’s reading, Paul highlights life with and without Jesus.

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’ (v.19)

‘members of God’s household’ (v.19)

‘a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit’ (v.22).

It’s through Jesus we can know the Holy Spirit at work in us today bringing forgiveness, joy, love. It is through Jesus that we can know God’s peace in our lives today.

Peace is a wonderful thing – ask any parent of young children! However the peace the Bible speaks about is more than a lack of noise, it’s a realisation that whatever may happen, all will be well because Jesus our God is in control. It’s a spiritual experience which affects our whole being – body, mind and spirit. The Bible is clear that only Jesus can bring this peace because only Jesus is Lord. As Lord he has supreme authority over his church and in the lives of his disciples – you and me. It was this truth that really drew me to Jesus all those years ago. That the Christian faith was more than a boring church service or a set of impossible rules to follow – it was a supernatural encounter with the Jesus, the son of God whose power and peace really could transform life.

What does this mean to us today? Three things; as Lord, Jesus brings us provision – all we need he will provide. As Lord, Jesus brings us protection – he stands with 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 peace which this world cannot give. A confidence to live each day with his arms around me, his voice directing me, his strength supporting me and his joy within me – that’s peace! His peace really does enable us to Live Life Better.

The bible sees the church as the community of peace- people who follow Jesus and trust him completely for all the future may bring. In these uncertain times how wonderful to offer an invitation – those far away and to those who are near (v17) – to Join Us in Building Community – communities of Jesus people; communities which have a warm welcome; communities which are built on the love and peace of Jesus. Many will say yes!

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 remember this wonderful truth as I step into, and enjoy this amazing day! Amen.

READING: EPHESIANS 2: 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,