From the District Mission Executive
“Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the “uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands – remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 2:11-13
It is easy to see the divisions in our culture, in our country, in our communities. In this season of political conventions and future elections it’s easy to not only see the divisions, but also to allow our hearts to get caught up within them. They may actually provide a bit of a distraction from the more personal divisions or disagreements that reside in our own homes, our own families, and even within our own hearts. You may think that these very visible divisions and potential conflicts are alarming enough, but God’s Word reminds us of the divisions and conflicts that are even more profound, even the most profound in human history.
Our reading from Ephesians reminds us of the severity of this problem in great detail. We are reminded that at one time you were “in the flesh,” called the “uncircumcision,” separated from God’s chosen people. We are reminded that we were separated from Christ and strangers to the covenant of promise. Worst of all, we are reminded that we were without hope and without God in the world.
If there are any words from this devotional reading that you might remember, if there are any words that you might open your Bible to and further explore or even underline for future reference, I would invite you to consider the two words that God provides through the apostle Paul in verse 13: “But now.”
Sin entered the world, and it has threatened to ruin everything, but now God sent His Son into our world to conquer sin. He came as true God, and yet true man, but now we know that He was without sin. He made His way toward the cross to be crucified, but now we know that He died for us. He was betrayed by man, but now we know that God turned away from Him for you and for me. He was crucified, died, and was buried, but now He is risen from the grave victorious over sin, death, and the devil. He ascended into heaven, but now He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Yes, it is true that you continue to live in this sinful world, and it is also true that you yourself are subject to the sin that you see, know, endure, and even have embraced, but now, today repent of your sin and turn to the One who gives true peace. You may have even sought after peace through your own means, your own wisdom, wealth, world leaders, policies, politics or pride, but now He Himself is your peace. It is true that today you live in this world, but now, through faith in Him you are not of this world. But now you are His baptized child. But now you are forgiven. But now you are filled with the Holy Spirit. But now you are a new creation. But now you have eternal life.
His Word has something to say about today. His Word has something to say about you today. Of course, we continue to live in this world and among the divisions, conflicts, and challenges, but now He gives you peace. Not a temporary, fragile, fleeting peace, but His peace. “For He Himself is our peace…” Through faith in Jesus you indeed have peace with God, and you are instruments of His peace as you live, work, and play in your home, workplace, community and indeed in this fragile world. So live, brothers and sisters, but as you do, live in the peace that only Jesus Christ provides. Because now, today, you are members of the household of God. Because now, today, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Because now, today, Christ Jesus is our cornerstone. Because now, today, you are being built into a holy temple. Because now, today, you are a dwelling place for God, by the Spirit. So now, go and speak and live as His people of peace.
Peace – His Kind,
Rev. Lonnie “Jake” Jacobsen