Following the God Who TransformsНамуна

Read: Ephesians 2:13–17

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

The God of Peace

Since Cain murdered Abel, humans have suffered the tragic effects of violence. Sin has infected every level of human society. The result has been recurring cycles of war that have led cynics to define peace as “the temporary cessation of hostilities.” But God’s vision for human flourishing goes much deeper. The Hebrew concept of shalom offers a vision of justice, righteousness and healing through the suffering of God’s Servant (Isaiah 53:6).

Peacemaking can be costly. Jesus put to death our hostility and made possible our reconciliation to God and to one another through his death on the cross. We may be called to suffer as we make peace with estranged neighbors or with those we call our enemies.

While we await the full blossoming of God’s peace, we must not wring our hands in despair. Paul tells us in Romans 13 that God has instituted government as a means of restraining evil and promoting peace. We are called to support our leaders as they work for peace — both at home and abroad. Ask God how you can make peace in your own community. Then pray for those who are working to prevent violence and war throughout the world.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for intervening in our broken world and demonstrating through your death on the cross the path of sacrificial love. Protect those who face violence today. Comfort those who are grieving. Provide for refugees, and those who are wounded and traumatized. Show us how we can help the victims of violence and work for a more peaceful world, until you come again to put all things right. Amen.

Today's audio was narrated by Brandon Cleaver: Program Director, Matthew 5:9 Fellowship.