Monday
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:14-18, NIV)
Ephesians is one of the four letters written by Paul, while he was imprisoned in Rome. Although addressed to the Christians in Ephesus, it was probably intended as a circular letter to be read by other groups of Christians as well.
The letter begins by briefly summarizing God’s purpose in history, which is “to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (1:10). In Paul’s words, the goal of reconciliation is God’s plan for history. Jesus Christ is proclaimed as the Lord or ruler over all of creation – note again that Paul emphasizes both the spiritual and physical realms.
In the next several chapters, Paul explains how God’s plan unfolds. Today’s verses clearly explain God’s strategy. His Son, Jesus Christ, is our “peace.” All of the promises of the Messiah for hundreds of years are true. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. He is the “Prince of Peace,” the “Gentle King,” the “Good Shepherd.” He is the one whom the angels said is bringing “peace on earth.” He is the one who teaches about peacemaking and lives a life that demonstrates it. Paul is identifying all of these links in the passage.
To clarify further the unity that Jesus brings, Paul specifically makes reference to the animosity between Jews and non-Jews and argues that “the dividing wall of hostility” has been destroyed. Through Jesus’ death on the cross all people can now become one community of faith. Jesus “is our peace” (v. 14), “he came and preached peace” (v. 17), and, as a result, all people now have access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
God our Father, we rejoice that all men and women, regardless of our differences in blood, language, and culture, have access to you because of the reconciling role of your Son. Thank you for Jesus who is our peace and who builds your church as one community. Amen.