HE IS OUR PEACE

HE IS OUR PEACE!

Eph 2:14-19

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

           Paul addressed a mixed congregation of Ephesians. Part were believing Jews and the rest were believing Gentiles. The “middle wall of partition” between them was “the law!” The Jews continued to feel privileged because of their Jewish heritage and failed to fully assimilate into the new Christian community. To correct this division, Paul explained a few things to both groups.

           Peace is not in precepts but a Person! He is our peace. In fact He has “broken down” (the Greek luo means to dissolve or to melt) that middle wall. The remaining language is just as graphic. The word “abolished” in verse 15 means “to render useless.” The word “ordinances” is the word dogma and refers to ceremonial ritual. The word “slain” in verse 16 means “to kill outright.”

           The rallying point is not in a list of laws but in “one body by the cross.” We are reminded of this every time we take the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said: “this is my body which is broken for you” and “this cup is the new testament in my blood.” It is clear that the cross and not the law unifies all men, all cultures and all conditions. So stop feuding over critical and cultural differences and come together at the foot of the cross.

           “We both have access!” That is the message of verse 18. The word is prosagoge which simply means “admission.” The result is that we are fellow citizens, literally “natives of the same town” and of the same “household.” This equality under the blood removes both shame and pride. Having gained admission, we now reside under the same roof. We call each other brother and sister for God is our heavenly Father.

Dear Lord, thank you for melting the wall and paying the price of admission for me. AMEN