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Ephesians 2:14–16 (NASB 95)

14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Examine / Explain

Jesus, the harbinger of peace, not only brought peace but also transformed the very fabric of our existence. God, who initially created man, then divided His people into two distinct groups, Jews and Gentiles, with the law. However, the law was not a permanent barrier. It was shattered when Jesus, in His ultimate act of sacrifice on the cross, atoned for the sins of humanity. The enmity between the law and man was not just nullified, it was obliterated, rendered ineffective. Jesus, in His death, perfectly fulfilled the laws, transforming from a lamb to a lion, inspiring us with the hope of transformation.

What’s the application?

My sins are paid for. Jesus’s death on the cross paid my ransom, and then He conquered death and rose on the third day to sit at the right hand of God. This fulfillment of the law and bringing Gentiles back into the family of God gives us the opportunity for salvation. I know that the people of the Old Testament were credited with their faith, but did that apply to Gentiles also? My mind wanders to The Chosen again. I know there are some liberties taken while filming the show, as not everything is written down about Jesus and the disciples. But it does cause me to think and see things differently. I know Jesus was the outcast. He made Jewish and Roman leaders upset. He divided the people. And yet, He is our peace. Two things can be true at the same time. He is peace, and He caused division. He drew a hard line in the sand and challenged people’s thinking. Is it any different today? The truth of the Gospel will cause division, apparently even in the “church.” People still want to build sand castles while claiming to be followers of Christ. Granted the flesh is the flesh. I know I make decisions that keep me at the center of my universe but I also know that He is the final say. His way is the way I should be going and I can admit I’m not getting it right. What I’m talking about is those who read the word, and some things are very clear, and yet they will not admit any wrong. We must become self-aware and understand what we are doing. We must see what is triggering our behavior. Can it be overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit? Absolutely! Did God make us for community and to find healing through that community? Another Absolute! Men, we must get over ourselves and find a safe community to heal from our traumas. We must learn to surrender more often than rule over our crumbling kingdoms. Two things are simultaneously happening, and both are true. Put in the work and surrender.

What is my response?

Father, thank you for the community I have. A common unity with men whose desire is to serve and submit to You. Do we always get it right? Yet another absolute. No! But there is space to hold the tension of failure and growth. Living in the uncomfortableness that must come in following Jesus is key. Everyone is a fallen sinner looking for salvation from something. They find fulfillment and community somewhere. You gave me the assignment and vision to get them to find it in You. Lead leaders! Point to the truth and hold spatial tension for others. Help me do that. Lead me and keep pointing me in ways to die to self. Because I am a stubborn human man and I can’t do it alone. Amen.