Peace.

What do you think of when you think of peace? What would peace in your life look like? What would peace look like in your community? our nation? Peace seems to be in short supply in today’s world both on a personal and global scale.

In Ephesians 2:14-22, we see how God is building His church by bringing together two groups of people. Earlier in the chapter, we learned of how the Ephesians were outcast, hopeless, foreigners. Now, we are going to see God bring peace to and for people. Yes, peace, to a people for whom it was in short supply.

In verse 14, we find that the peace comes through the Messiah Jesus Christ as He brings both groups (in this case Jews and Gentiles) together by breaking down the wall of hostility. He gave Himself to break down this wall. It was a “big wall” between the two groups and yet He did it. He made them one group. He united them. For unity, you must have peace.

In verse 15, some versions say that He “abolished” the commands and regulations. Abolished! That means it is destroyed. (We could do a complete study on the difference between law and grace, but that is not the focus of our study today. This site has many verses on the study if you would like to pursue it.) He did this through the cross by taking the penalty for our sins. He did this and created one from two which results in peace.

Moving on to verse 17, we again see peace. When Jesus came, He proclaimed the good news of peace to those who were near and far.

Peace. Do you know what this means for us? We, too, can have this peace despite whatever health or circumstances we are in. Peace in Christ Jesus. We are now one in Him. As we have said before, there are no outsiders. We are one in Him and can also have His peace.

This song always comes to mind when I think of peace.

Tomorrow, we will look more at God making two to be one in Him in light of His church. See you then!