Read EPHESIANS 2:14-18
On Sunday we heard how Jesus is the King of peace, and Ephesians 2 is a great place to start as we explore that aspect of God’s reign. The whole chapter is an explanation of how Christ’s death and resurrection brings peace to us, both individually and communally. In today’s reading, Paul shows how Jesus’ work created a pathway for peace between Jews and non-Jews. People who had no reason to associate and every reason to separate now lived as one family. This miraculous togetherness was and is a witness to the peace Jesus brings, and this barrier-breaking is a core part of my own experience of the power of the Gospel.
I grew up in the suburbs of Milwaukee and went to Christian schools, yet as a young person I did not understand and made assumptions about the experiences and life choices of my brothers and sisters living in our city. It was through my college ministry that I began visiting churches and non-profits in Milwaukee. The love and openness I experienced there changed me and gave me a new perspective on how to be a part of God’s new humanity. It started my journey into trying to embody the peace Paul talks about.
One practical way our family does this is something we call family dinner. We live in Sherman Park and once a month we make a meal and open our house to our neighbors and friends. Sometimes we feed fifteen people, and sometimes we feed fifty, but on these nights people from different backgrounds come to our house, share a meal, and form relationships. We do this because we believe it reflects this barrier-breaking work of Christ and models God’s peace.
Later in Ephesians 2 Paul talks about how this peace is a temple—a place where people can encounter and know God. I believe that when we are able to lovingly cross social barriers we are witnessing to God’s character and the peace His kingdom brings. May you find ways to demonstrate this peace-bringing love in your world this week.
For Reflection:
- How does experiencing the peace Jesus brings into your life enable you to more fully live at peace with those around you? Where do you need to demonstrate this more?
* Place the magi in another room. These travelers remind us that Jesus’ followers would be from all nations.
by Chris Nielson
