Read through Ephesians 2:11-22
During the One Prayer series this summer, we at The Mount learned about what it might look like if, not only individual churches were unified to the singular purpose of reaching the world for Christ, but if the Church as a whole were unified for that purpose.
In this passage, we read from Paul that, indeed, Christ has already broken down the dividing line that separates people. Here, Paul is literally referring to the traditional division in biblical times between Gentiles and Jews. But in verse 21, Paul envisions the kind of church oneness referred to in the summer series.
If we allow him, Satan will put in front of us numerous points of possible contention, which may serve only to divide and drum up hostility. Some of them include: race, political affilation and differences in biblical doctrine.
But a church body fully devoted to emulating Christ, both personally and corporately, won’t fall prey to such designs, for our designer has set in motion a bright, multi-faceted world of people enveloped under his governance so that, regardless of international conflict, disease or personal strife, we have the assurance in knowing he is, not just the bringer of peace, but peace itself.
For he himself is our peace who has made the two (Jews and Gentiles) one, and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.
Thus, in the midst of personal trials or difficulties in relationships, we should pray, not that Christ would give us strength and peace, but that he would BE our strength and peace.
One of the most stark images of peace and tranquility in the midst of trials is found in Psalm 42, where David writes:
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
And in verse 5, we read:
Why are you so downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God
for I will yet praise him, my Savior, my God.
Throughout history, we find the God of the universe winnowing the good wheat from the bad, plucking out that which divides and raising up those who serve to unify his church. And when he returns, the entire world will know that the winnowing fork is, and always has been, in his hands. Ultimately, we will some day be fully one church, unified with him in Glory.
For now, take heart in knowing that, if you feel fractured inside, if your relationships are a mess or if you feel incomplete, Jesus seeks to make you whole. He can truly be your strength and your peace if you will let him work in you.
application
Read through the rest of Psalm 42 and praise him for the work he is about to do in your life.