For Christ Jesus is our peace, and has broken down the dividing wall, that is the hostility between us (Ephesians 2:14)
So many things in our world seek to divide us. Some of them are fun and harmless. While one may like a team and a friend may like another, other than some friendly ribbing, it is not a big deal. Same with favorite bands or music, or food.
Things get more difficult when it comes to politics, or regional alliances, or nations. Ethnic differences have been a cause of violence. Religious differences have led to wars. Political rancor is alive and well in our society where it seems that if someone does not vote like you, they are ridiculed and considered suspect. It is quite maddening actually.
Jesus Christ is our peace, reads our lesson today. Jesus seeks to bridge the divisions between us. This is a powerful image. The Jerusalem temple had walls separating people -- i.e. male and female, Jews and Gentiles. If you did not adhere to these restrictions, there were serious consequences.
Jesus instead seeks to tear down the walls that divide us from each other -- the walls or race or ethnicity, or language and culture, or social status or gender. We are to find our unity instead in the one who came to save us all.
As we begin this Ephesians week, may we recognize that amidst our God breathed diversity we are one in Christ.
God of unity, help us find community amidst our diversity. All in your name. Amen.
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