Ephesians 2 United in Christ by his blood

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
(Ephesians 2:11-16, 18, 19 ESV)

Again we are reminded that before Christ we were alienated from God and without hope.But we have been bought with a great price: the precious blood of Christ.

We were in the world and of the world and at war with God as children of flesh and wrath. But God has made peace through the cross and has reconciled us to him. Imagine a war between America and another nation in which we took out our anger on a willing hero who perhaps married the son or daughter of the "enemy" who began one nation and one people for all who appreciated that sacrifice.

Yet there are those who would not accept Christ and are still of the world and at war with God. But God has all authority and his power and kingdom is so great that God allows the other nations and peoples to persist and giving time for many people of all nations to turn to God.

For us who receive Christ we are united beyond ethnicity or language or history. God is now building us together as the church the body of Christ the household of God. This is by the work of the Holy Spirit not by our own will power or plans.

Lord I thank you for this new hope and vision of the unified body of Christ of all peoples and nations. Move by your power and Spirit in us to do your work to build your house together in us as a community of believers. Everyday remind me of the terrible cost of my life and salvation and our communal hope. Remind me and convict me that Jesus Christ's blood was the price and that God chose us not by our merit but by his great love.
Amen