Ephesians 2:13-14 - 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.
What marvelous verses these are. This truth is emphasized by our text when, pointing to the crucified Christ, the apostle Paul says in these five simple words, "He Himself is our peace." When the Savior comes into the human soul, the Gospel of His grace, by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, works a startling transformation. By this I mean a new heart, a new spirit, and a new life is given to those who believe in God's Son as their Savior.
Literally, they become new creatures in Christ. Instead of seeking to be served, they seek to serve others. Remember it was in the words of first-century enemies of the cross who said of Jesus' followers—they "have turned the world upside down." And how was this so? It was because they witnessed God's life-transforming Gospel at work in the lives of others.
We thank God that He does this for us, that He cleanses our conscience and saves us through His beloved Son. The glorious truth of the Gospel is that all men, regardless of race, country, creed, or station in life are the same in Christ's sight. He loves them all and gave Himself for them all. This is the surest basis of peace the world has ever known.
It is also true that as in Christ you strive for peace among your fellow man, by the Holy Spirit's power you will also find peace for yourself. Pointing to the cross, you can say of the crucified One, "He is my peace—no matter how restless and disturbed the world around me may become."
To find this peace from above, behold the cross and learn to say, "He is our peace." Then believe that just as Christ's anguish was part of God's eternal plan for our salvation so, too, those things you face in life are serving to draw you closer to the Father. In this knowledge you can rest, trusting that in the end all things "work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28b).
So, if it is peace you seek—true, everlasting peace, then look to Him who has broken down the "dividing wall of hostility," separating us from God. If it is new life you're looking, for then believe in Jesus Christ and you will find it. For it was He who said, "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day" (John 6:40).
In Jesus there is peace—the kind the world does not know, the kind the world cannot offer.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, lead us to find peace in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
From "Jesus Christ Is Our Peace," a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier, the first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. What has been the most peace-filled time of your life?
2. How has your relationship with Jesus brough peace to your life?
3. What is our responsibility to bring peace into this world so far as we are able to do so?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 133-135 1 Corinthians 2
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