Knowing Your Identity in Christ: I am No Longer Separated (Ephesians 2:13)

Have you ever been separated from the people you love?

On this episode of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents, host Christen Clark offers busy moms and dads a powerful reminder: you are no longer separated from God, and your faith can shape the spiritual atmosphere of your home. Listen in as Christen shares the story of being separated from her child at Disneyworld, practical tips for talking to Christian kids about our connection to Jesus, and inspiring encouragement to live boldly in God’s nearness—even amid the chaos of family time and daily routines.

• 01:52 Exploring the true meaning of "no longer separated from God"
• 03:49 Modeling real relationship, not just religion at home

Resources:

• Instagram: @7minutedevotions, @christenclark
• Family Podcast: @collidekidspodcast

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hello and welcome to 7-Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. I'm Kristen Clark. And if you're listening right now while folding the laundry, or maybe you're driving carpool or answering emails or reheating your coffee for the third time, you are in the right place. Thank you so much for joining me. I am a busy parent also. I have lots of things going on. And I don't say that as a brag. I wish I didn't have all these things going on, but I am busy and I know how easy it is to rush through our days without pausing to remember what's true. So that's why we're taking these seven minutes right now together. And truly, I think today you're going to be comforted by this identity statement. So I hope it sticks with you. Today's identity statement is: I am no longer separated from God. Ephesians 2, 12 through 13 says this: remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Paul is creating this dramatic contrast, right? In verse 12, he's describing life before Christ, excluded from citizenship, foreigners without hope, without God in the world. That's separation. We're isolated and disconnected and all alone. And then verse 13 begins with one of the most powerful words in scripture: but it's a big but. But now in Christ, you who are once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. We were far, not slightly distant, not mildly distracted. We were far away. But now, because of Jesus, we are brought near. Not because we earned it, right? We talked about grace, not because we improved ourselves, not because we finally became worthy, but because of his great love. It makes me think of a moment years ago when we took our kids to Disney World for the first time with grandparents and extended family. And one afternoon at the resort playground, my son wandered off. One minute he was there, and the next minute he wasn't. We were running around everywhere, 10 minutes past, maybe 15. Listen, it felt like two hours. If you've ever lost sight of your child in a public place, you know exactly what that feeling is: the panic, the anxiety, the helplessness, the ache in your chest. That's the kind of despair I picture when I read without hope, without God in the world. Separation is excruciating. Now I don't want to leave you hanging. Eventually, my son rounded the corner. He had spotted another stroller that looked like ours and he walked towards it. And that mom realized he didn't belong to her and helped redirect him back to us. The relief that I felt in that moment, oh man, it was overwhelming. All I wanted to do was grab him to hold him near and keep him close. And I did probably for the rest of the week. I would just randomly hug him. What a joy it is to be found. What a joy it is to belong. That's what Paul is describing here. Not just being tolerated, not just being allowed in the outer circle or on the fringe. You are brought near. Scripture tells us in Hebrews that we can approach the throne of God boldly, not cautiously, not as outsiders, but boldly. You are not on the fringe. You're not working your way towards acceptance. You have been brought near by the blood of Christ. And maybe someone that's listening today doesn't feel near to God. You feel distant. You feel like you're on the fringe, like you're disconnected. But remember, feelings are not facts. If you are in Christ, you are no longer separated. You have been brought near. So live in the nearness. Our kids need to see what nearness to God looks like. Not just church attendance or good behavior, but relationship. When they see you pray, not just at meals, but in real need, they see nearness. When they hear you say, I'm bringing this to God, they see dependence. When you talk about God as someone who is present, involved, and caring in your life and in your heart, not distant, it shapes how they understand who God is. And if you ever felt far from God, talk about that too. Talk about what it means to return to Him, to reach out, to remember that He hasn't moved away. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is helping them believe that they are never navigating this world alone because they're not, and neither are you. Today's identity statement is this: I am no longer separated from God. Though I was once far away, I have been brought near by the blood of Christ because of God's great love. Because I am no longer separated from God, I approach him boldly, talk to him honestly, and live aware of his nearness. Let's say this identity statement together. Here we go. I am no longer separated from God. Let's pray. God, thank you so much for your presence. Thank you for the nearness. Thank you that you have brought us near, that we are no longer far away, on the fringe, lost, isolated, separated, or without hope. You have given us all those things and brought us close to you. And we so appreciate that. Help us to remember that and to live in that nearness, to not live like we're separated and far away, but to live as we are close to you and knowing you because of Jesus Christ. Help us to be aware of your presence and help us to teach our children the importance of living close to you and knowing who you are. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and thank you for all the things that you've given us. And we thank you for this podcast and this time together. In Jesus' name. Amen. Well, I don't know about you, but for me, this episode carries a lot of comfort. And maybe while you were listening, someone came to mind. Maybe someone who you know feels distant from God or someone who needs that reminder that they are not alone. Or maybe I'm saying this right now and a name is coming up in your heart or in your mind. Would you take a moment, ask the Lord who you could share this with? Sometimes we don't always have the words to say, so you can let a podcast say it for you. And when you share an episode, you're helping this encouragement reach someone who might need it. Thanks so much for being here. And until next time, remember who you are and who you belong to.