Is There a Way Back?

Mark: It's been so long that walking back toward God feels like knocking on a door I walked away from. Would he even answer?

Sarah: I won't rush past that. The letter to the Ephesians speaks to people who'd been outsiders, far from God, and Ephesians 2:13 is where it turns. Listen.

Scripture: But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

Mark: Okay, that's gentle. But far is far. What did the far part actually look like for them?

Sarah: Right before it, the letter says they were separate from Christ, strangers to the promises, with no hope and without God in the world. It doesn't sugarcoat anything. Then the very next line turns.

Mark: But who does the traveling? Because honestly, I don't have the energy to climb my way back over all that.

Sarah: The letter says they were made near in the blood of Christ. Earlier in the same chapter it says it's not of works. Christ is our peace, and he reconciles both groups to God through the cross. He came and preached peace to the far off and the near.

Mark: Huh. That's softer than I expected. I figured a way back would start with me fixing myself first.

Sarah: Tell God honestly, 'I want to know you,' or talk with a friend who follows Jesus. I love you, and I'd love to have you beside me someday.