Monday (Day 2 of 7): The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. (Ephesians 2:16) The Message Bible
Here’s the back story:
“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 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” (Ephesians 2:13–16, ESV)
I remember as a kid being told to shake hands with Jimmy K. after he and I had our annual fistfight during our elementary school years. It was nice to have some of the bigger kids around as they watched us fight and then at the end told us to shake hands.
Jimmy and I would smile at each other and then shake hands and then be friends again for about another year.
When we slowed down enough, we realized that we were next-door neighbors and pretty good friends.
It was the big kids that helped us get connected.
Just so, Jesus, our big brother and obedient son to our father brings us together.
For He Himself is our peace
- Jesus himself — Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
- Jesus gives us his peace as a free gift. (John 14:27)
- Jesus is especially with two or three of us. (Matthew 18:20)
- Jesus helps us reconcile with God and others. (II Corinthians 5:20-21)
When we believe in this Jesus, we can slow down and recognize deeper things about love, listening, learning, and lifting one another up. (Philippians 2:5–11)
Please COMMENT question or celebrate below:
Giv’m heaven,
Your brother,
John Parker
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