Exploring Thriving Through EphesiansSample

As we peer further behind the curtain and past our individual lives, Paul explains that we are part of a larger group- either the Gentile people or the Jewish people. And these two groups had no fondness for each other. I'll bet you can think of some current people groups that have some animosity towards each other.

The Jewish people, as God's chosen people, had the promises, they had the Law, they had the covenants. It seemed like they were set and the Gentiles were left out. 

But God (there it is again!) brings us near to Himself and makes it possible for us to be near the other group as well. He tears down the wall that divided us. He smashed it with His own body. He dies to kill our hostility towards each other. And He makes peace a possibility.

We stand before Him on equal, level ground. Equal access. Fellow citizens. Doesn't that sound attractive?

And somehow, certainly not through our power, we become a building for God's Spirit to live in. Collectively and corporately, we are to create a structure for God to reside in.

Where have you seen animosity, division, and hostility in your life?

How have you seen God's Spirit bring peace to people when it seemed impossible?

What are the walls that you need Him to tear down today?