from Lenae, GEMS Training Manger
Once-Were
Thoughts
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were
far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13
What’s the first thing that popped into
your mind this morning? Morning thoughts can be telling, can’t they? Think
about the initial thoughts of grief that Mary Magdalene and the other women
must’ve had on that first Easter morning. Yes, on Easter morning. They woke up
very early that morning to take spices
they had prepared and went to the tomb (Luke 24:2). Tombs are for the dead,
and they went expecting to see the dead.
But
when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus (Luke 24:3). Angels shared the glorious
news asking why they came looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (Luke
24:5).
The next morning, think about how
radically different their morning thoughts must’ve been. He’s alive! He’s
alive! This changes everything! Jesus is alive!
Sisters, that’s our Monday morning story.
He once was dead, but now He’s alive. It’s the great reversal! It’s the joyous
news of what once was and what is today! Think on His Word. Focus
on the difference between what once was
and what is now for you and me today.
For
now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought
near through the blood of Christ (Ephesians
2:13). The cross bridged the distance between God and us!
For
you were once darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Live
as children of light (Ephesians
5:8). The cross gives us purpose and guides our living. Shine your light!
Once you were alienated from God
and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s
physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish
and free from accusation (Colossians
1:21-22). The cross transforms our minds and lives. We’re no longer His
enemies; we’re reconciled, holy, forgiven, and free!
Once you were not a people, but
now you are the people of God (1
Peter 2:10a). The cross gives us our identity, and binds us to the Father and
to one another as His family!
What unspeakable joy! We don’t live in
the once was. That was then, this is
now. We serve a risen Savior!
Think
on it: Is there anything
in your life today that belongs in the once
was space in your life? For example: I once
was a grumbler, but now I’m
grateful. I once was a worrier, but now I trust Him in all things.
I once
was lost but now am found, was
blind, but now I see.
John Newton
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