From Excluded to Included
The Lost Key – Brought Near in Christ
Illustration: The Lost Key
Imagine misplacing your car key right before an important meeting. You search frantically, only to have someone hand it to you—it was in plain sight the whole time. This simple story mirrors our spiritual journey. We often search for purpose and peace in our own strength, yet it’s Jesus, always near, who brings us the key to life and peace.
The Journey from Far to Near
In Ephesians 2, Paul writes to a diverse church in Ephesus—a mix of rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, former idol worshipers, and former thieves. They all had one thing in common: they heard the gospel and were transformed by God’s love. Though they had once been far from God, Jesus brought them near through His death and resurrection.
God’s love is infinite and all-surpassing. It’s not just something to understand—it’s meant to be encountered, personally and communally, transforming lives. The Ephesian church experienced this love, and we are called to experience and share it, too.
God’s Promises Are for Everyone
Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once excluded from God’s promises. But through Jesus, God’s promises became available to everyone. No one is excluded. Whether we’ve been left out in life or have felt distant from God, His love now unites all of us. We are no longer strangers but citizens of His kingdom and members of His family.
A New Mindset: Near or Far?
Paul shifts the focus from "in or out" to "near or far." The old way of thinking led to division and pride. The new mindset focuses on proximity to Jesus and how we can help others move closer to Him. Instead of labeling people, we are called to show humility, compassion, and hope.
What Does Jesus Do for the Far?
Jesus actively seeks those who are far from Him:
He searches for the lost (Luke 19:10).
He brings them near (Ephesians 2:13).
He announces peace (Ephesians 2:17).
He endures criticism and forgives (Isaiah 53:7, Luke 23:34).
He transforms lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Jesus doesn’t reject the lost; He invites them in, forgives them, and changes their lives from the inside out.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ is building them into a place where God’s Spirit dwells (Ephesians 2:22). This same truth applies to us today. Our church is made up of imperfect people from diverse backgrounds, but God is unifying us and building us into a dwelling for His Spirit.
We are a church for those near to God and those far from Him. Our mission is to be a place where people can belong to God’s family, become more like Jesus, and bring others to Him.
Conclusion
Jesus came to find us when we were far from Him, and His love is for everyone. Whether you feel near to Jesus or far away today, He is inviting you closer.
What’s one step you can take to draw near to Him?
If you feel near, how can you help someone else experience the love of God and come closer to Jesus?
Let’s be part of God’s mission to bring those who are far near. His love is too powerful and too inclusive to keep to ourselves.
We are a church for those who are near to God and those who are far from God. Let’s build together, love together, and bring others near together.