Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
God’s command is love. His ministry is peace. So simple, but not always easy. When I determine who deserves love and who doesn’t, I’m overstepping my bounds. When I can’t find peace, even in situations that no person on earth expects me to find it, I’ve lost my center–Jesus. He is love and peace. He wants me to have love and peace. He wants me to be love and peace to all those I encounter. Jesus, Help me.
Ephesians 2:14-15a For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations….
“For he himself is our peace…” My caustic inner critic wants to lambast me when I can’t find peace. That inner voice tells me I’m a failure if I can’t get past myself and cling to His peace. But my precious Savior is whispering to my heart, “I go before you. I am with you. Never will I leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (based on Deut 31:8).
Ephesians 2:15b-16 …His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Lord, I struggle. So many people struggle. Thank You for loving us in all our messy, weak humanity. Thank You for being our peace, even when we can’t seem to get past the obstacles and claim Your peace. Thank You for never leaving us, never forsaking us. Help us not to be afraid. Help us not to be dismayed. Help us to trust You. Always. Amen.
Ephesians 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
Have a blessed day.