YE ARE NO MORE STRANGERS

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MAY 2
 
Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the house of God;
 

Grace has wrought a wonderful change in us, 

as well as wrought a wonderful work for us.

 

We were once strangers to God, far from peace, and 

unacquainted with the privileges of true religion.

 

We were made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

  Reconciled to God by the death of his Son. 

  Led into the knowledge of his will by the Holy Spirit.

 

Created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works.

 

Once everything in real religion was strange to us, and we were strangers to it.

 

We did not understand its doctrines, 

   we knew nothing of its experience, and 

      we thoroughly disliked its practices.

 

But now we know God.

 

We are one with Jesus.

 

We enjoy the communion of the Holy Spirit.

 

We are united to the saints.

 

We are become citizens of Zion.

 

We feel at home in its ordinances.  

We enjoy its privileges. 

We are become familiar with the word of God, 

  the throne of grace, 

  the open fountain, 

  the way of peace, 

  the wedding garment, and 

  the peculiar conflict of the sons of God.

 

We are a part of God’s sanctified family.

 

Of the Saviour’s folded flock.

 

Divine things are become natural to us, and 

   we love them, 

      live upon them, and 

         enjoy them.

 

No more a stranger to the Lord,

His family or throne;

I trust his grace, believe his word,

And live to him alone.

 

James Smith