Making Peace (Eph 2:15)

Christ abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace - Ephesians 2:15

At this point in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is speaking on the mystical new union between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Thinking back to the Old Testament we remember the strict rules the Jews were given against associating with Gentiles. Now because of something Jesus did, this barrier has been forever broken.

What exactly did Jesus do? To all who would believe in His name 'He gave the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God.' (John. 1:12).

Jesus tore down every barrier between nations on earth. For those who have been reborn into the family of God, the new identity trumps the old.

Before Jesus there was, between Jews and Gentiles, at worst violent disagreement and at best tacit co-existence. After Jesus there is unity. However this goes much further than just the Jew/Gentile distinction. As Paul tells us, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Gal 3:28).

This concept goes yet further when we consider our own duplicitous nature. Before Christ we are divided within ourselves - at war with our own nature. When Jesus enters our hearts we truly experience "a new man in place of the two" as we submit both flesh and spirit to Him whom is Lord over both.

Heavenly Father, guide our steps this week. Reveal to us the areas we need to submit to you. Grant us the grace needed to make peace with one another. Grant us the wisdom needed to find peace within ourselves. Where we see usually two, let us this week see only You.

In Jesus' name. Amen.