Summer Fruit Devotion: Peace Day 1

Reconciled

“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 commonwealth of Israel and strangers to 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 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man 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. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:11-22

Peace is so much bigger than just a lack of war. It is reconciliation with God and people. There is a hostility in our souls from the day we are born that insists no one is master of our destiny. The original sin that says “I will open my own eyes and be like God,” is what cuts us off from the God who created and loves us. Our need for peace instead of hostility is a crushing weight that’s heavier than we could ever bear. But as soon as we surrender, let the cross kill the hostility, and accept peace by the blood of Christ, that crushing weight is gone. We can breathe, we can pray, we can live. And once we have peace with God, a collective of peace begins and spreads like ripples on a pond. We are reconciled and have peace, both with God and with each other, by surrendering to his will, joining together and being built up as the Spirit inhabits us.

Journal time. That phrase “killing the hostility” really struck me when I read this passage. It made me see hostility as an enemy in need of killing. Even though peace requires surrender, Paul’s language is not passive. Re-read the passage and record some of the phrases that stand out to you and why. What mental images does Paul portray in this passage?

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, reconciliation and peace with you is more precious to us than life itself because it cost you your very Son, our Lord Jesus. He bought us peace by his blood, and not just us, but all whom you have chosen, weather Jew or Gentile. Thank you for making us family, and no longer strangers to your promises and love and hope. Help us fight alongside Christ to live as one body and kill hostility by making peace. In the peaceful and unifying name of Jesus we pray, Amen.