Devotional: Jesus Brings Peace

Jesus Brings Peace

Eph. 2:11-22

“And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:17-18, NASB).

Our country is divided in many areas. One of the recent examples is the lawful buying of assault rifles. After seventeen students are killed in a high school in Parkland, Florida by an assassin using an assault rifle a heighten demand is made for laws to raise the age limit from the age of eighteen to twenty-one years old. Thousands march in several cities demanding that lawmakers change the laws that regulate the sale of guns, but there is another side of the debate.

There remain thousands of young people that want their second amendment rights to purchase guns. How can these two different groups come together and reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both. Is it possible?

The church at Ephesus is made up of two main groups: Jews and Gentiles. Jews have the privilege of having access to the Law. They are trained from birth to live according to the Law. The Gentiles do not know anything about the Law. Therefore, there are different opinions on who can be saved and how one can be saved. There is enmity between the two groups. Can these two groups come together and reach an agreement acceptable to all?

My daddy often said to me, “two wrongs don’t make a right.” It seems to me that Paul is saying something like this to the church. Both groups are wrong. Neither group is right. They of themselves will never come together and reach an agreement acceptable to both sides. There is hope because Jesus has come and preached peace to both Jews and Gentiles. The way to peace with each other is found when both groups come to peace with God. Jesus preaches the good news that all are made right with God by grace through faith. Both groups give up their own position. Each accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord. When we agree to get right with God we get right with one another. Easter is about Jesus dying on the cross so that reconciliation is possible. Those who have found favor with God live together in peace.

Prayer: Lord God we thank you that you give us peace in a world of turmoil. Amen.