People who struggle with insecurity know what it feels like to be an “outsider.” Whether they really are or not, there’s a real feeling of being left out or pushed to the back. It’s a tool of the devil to keep them timid– and therefore, quiet.
I was once that person.
I still could be if I let myself go there… But I know too much now.
And because I can fully relate to the feelings of an outcast, I think this scripture means so much more to me than what it says on the surface: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
You. Who once were far off…
You didn’t push and shove your way to the front of the line. YOU were chosen to come forward. YOU were selected and called out by name. You were personally escorted and brought near by the blood of Christ.
“And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17).
The depth of God’s Word has so many levels. I understand that God wanted Jews and Gentiles, those who were near and those who were far, to all be reconciled to Himself. But now that this has been accomplished through the cross of Jesus, let’s look at this way:
1. Jesus came. You know this, but have you made it personal? He came FOR YOU. And at the whisper of His name, He lets you know He’s still there. He never leaves you or rejects you (Hebrews 13:5).
2. He preached peace. In other words, He gave us the wonderful news that God was no longer counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19), but that’s not all. Peace is a synonym of reconciliation— the very thing that brought you forward, into the light, without guilt or condemnation of your past.
3. To those who were FAR. When we were alienated from the truth and without hope or God in this world (Ephesians 2:12), He saw us. No matter how far in the back we were, God could see us there. And He made sure we received a personal invitation to join Him.
4. To those who were NEAR. His love never quits. Even after being brought near and given front row seating and the red carpet treatment, God continues to make sure those in the front (who’ve received salvation) continually remember they are loved and accepted (Ephesians 1:3-6).
So the next time the devil tries whispering his lies to you about being rejected, or when you “feel” alone and forgotten, remember neither are true!
Regardless of your past (or your race, or your job, or your education, etc.), you are not an outsider. You’ve received a personally engraved invitation from Christ to take part in all the benefits of eternal life. So go ahead, step forward!
