Scripture: Ephesians 2:20
As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday I wrote a prayer based upon these words from Ephesians, but I did not wish to leave it there. These were central words during our prayer gatherings last week – words that pushed me personally to think about whether I am choosing to live in the household of God. I might claim it with my lips, but what exactly would the household of God look like if its foundation was that of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. The apostles were those who followed Jesus through his life and death and resurrection, and then were inspired by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. From there, they became the most radically committed disciples the world has ever seen. Some might even call them reckless when it came to sharing the love they experienced in Jesus. The prophets were those who called out the systems of exploitation and hypocrisy that used and abused the most vulnerable in society – systems that built power and wealth on the backs of the poor, orphans, widows and immigrants. And with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone, certain phrases come to mind: Love your neighbor, pray for your enemy and take up the cross. Am I living in the household of God or am I renting down the street what looks a lot like the household of God, but is really just a stage prop with nothing beyond the front door? It is a question I explore in my prayers and confessions almost daily. I wish to dwell in the household of God, and not just on the day of my death.
Prayer: If my life points to my spiritual address, O Gracious and Loving God, does it point to the address of your household? Does my life exemplify, or at least somewhat reflect the life of the apostles, the dramatic challenge of the prophets, and the generous and demanding love of Jesus? If not, O Lord, help me to take a step closer to your front door. Amen.
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