Ephesians 3: 1-12

We’ve been called over recent years to value having facilities accessible to all persons.  Specifically, this has meant elevators, ramps, cutting out space in sanctuary pews, automatic doors, upgrading restrooms and more.  Building codes in public buildings reflect this.  It’s important that everyone has access.

Verse 12 of our reading speaks about “our access to God.”  This access is spoken of as God’s purpose through Jesus Christ.  In this we can be bold and confident.  What’s this access about?

Some see our “access to God” coming through Jesus’ death.  It was the price paid and through that we have access to God’s forgiveness and eternal presence. 

Or, we might see our access to God through Jesus Christ inviting us to Christ-like living.  When we live here and now in such a manner, God’s purposes find expression in our lives as well.  In Jesus we see this God-formed life lived out.  Is that God’s “eternal purpose,” that our lives are vessels of God’s presence? 

We celebrate Jesus’ birth because when his presence with people ended in his death, a community of people knew that presence with them even after Jesus’ death.  They knew God’s presence that filled Jesus was still in their midst in such a way that they felt Jesus yet with them. 

It was true!  Death and sin were defeated.  Love lasts.  This love that is God is yet with us. And this love seeks a dwelling in us.  This love transforms us and we become a sign of God’s love with us yet.

As Christians, we have come to know this through Jesus the Christ.  And his call to “follow and do likewise” reminds us that in Jesus we have access to Christ-like living now. 

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.