For he is our peace: in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. Ephesians 2: 14 NRSV
We humans are good at building walls. There is the Great Wall of China. Hadrian's Wall between England and Scotland. The wall of the Soviet Block Countries. Now we have the wall between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
We Christians are even better at building walls. We can create divisions, impasses and hostilities in our churches faster than anyone could get the bricks and mortar ready.
Yet, Christ has abolished division with his own flesh. This fleshy part could be interpreted as either the establishment of the Last Supper, Christ's giving himself up to death, or even his resurrected body. Maybe he brought folks together with all three! In any case, in Christ both Jews and Gentiles were able to be believers and live a new life. Without all that Christ had done, such a peace would not have been possible.
Where in the world, in your neighborhood, in your church or in your life, do you see the need for Christ's flesh to once again create peace and break down hostility?
Whether you have realized this, Christ has also become flesh through you.
There is some peaceful work for this Body to be doing!
God, thank you for the gift of Christ in the flesh. Thank you for helping us become part of that Body. Help us, God, to take our responsibilities seriously. We can do it with your help! Amen.
Question for today: Where do you need to start breaking down walls?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
No comments:
Post a Comment