“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” -Ephesians 2:19-22

I do not know about any of you, but I have had many times through life, where I have felt completely out of place. Either in a group of people, or a certain situation. I see Paul using these feelings and this life picture to help us relate to how Christ has set up His family unit. Let’s imagine for a moment; you have traveled to another part of the world. You’ve never been there, and you personally do not know anyone who lives there. You are a foreigner and do not quite fit in. During your visit to a small town, you meet a friendly, kind heart-ed person, who begins to get to know you, and you them. Over time, you have been introduced to their family and friends. Through the relationship that has been built, you are no longer considered a stranger or foreigner, but a friend, a part of the people. It is much like before we have a relationship with Christ, we are as a foreigner to God’s family. But, when we begin our personal relationship and walk with Christ, He brings us to His family to meet them, and become a part of the unit. In His household we find a continual fellowship with Him and others, a place of acceptance, a belonging, and a connection. Those are all God created voids that He longs to fulfill. After we are introduced into His family, we then must be willing to follow Him through the building process.

Since my dad is a construction manager, I have grown up with many experiences that have to do with building. So, I like to picture a beautiful Mansion still under construction, with a sign in the yard that says: “Christ Construction – Manager: Jesus”. The construction site is nothing like what you and I normally would see. The material used is different then wood and drywall, and the tools are not hammers and a saw. The simplest part of the whole Mansion is the ground on which it is built. Being a fact that the foundation of any structure has to be immovable, sturdy, level, and strong; all things are built on firm ground. This Mansion is built on rock; the Rock being Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

With the blueprint, design, and engineering all inspired by God, the Foundation has been carefully laid by the Apostles and Great Men of God. This Foundation being The Bible; the Truth and Word of God; where all our doctrine, belief, knowledge, wisdom, faith, and instruction comes from. All of you probably know that the form of a house is created by the frames that are built. In this particular Mansion, the frames are the people who are in a relationship with Christ. He is fitting them together perfectly. By drawing souls to Himself, He is bringing in different shapes and depths to the Mansion. It’s looking completely beautiful!

This Mansion is still under construction today; and the site is still not finished. If you went everyday to see the progress, you would probably find a really neat new wall, or a unique hallway, or a special area, that has just been added. God is working in the hearts of the saved and lost, and will do so until the last day. He is continuing to build up His household. Right inside is the place where His Spirit is living. One day the Mansion will be done. God in person will be there, with every one of His Children with Him. This will be a holy place of worship and rejoicing. It will be perfect!

As Paul closes up this chapter of Ephesians 2. I see Him giving us a very exciting and challenging ending. It is almost as if he is saying, “Look at who you are in Christ; look at how He is using you; look at the part you are playing in His big plan!” You have a place in Christ and His household. You have been accepted into the World’s Greatest Family! Humbly allow Him to use you to grow and build His “Mansion!” Remember, each one of us has a purpose; that purpose is to reveal the presence and glory of God on earth. The impression should be made on this world that God is present in us.

~ Hannah