But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself he might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. (Ephesians 2:13-16 NASB)
There is coursing through this passage the theme of one and unity. This is because of the provision that gives peace opportunity within humanity. God has done this through His Son Jesus Christ.
Man searches for peace with his surroundings. He wants peace because the life lacking it is characterized by unrest, distress, and tension, whether it is missing with his relationship with God, his neighbor or the world around him. Peace on man’s terms is often elusive or short-lived. How our troubled world needs peace and unity. Yet it will never come, sad to say. It is naive to expect total peace in our world. Such a utopia will not take place this side of heaven. Why? Because of what we have already learned of the two groups into which humanity is divided…the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. And…we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness… (1 Corinthians 1:18 & 23 NASB).
Lack of peace is not something that can be blamed at God. He has reconciled both Jew and Gentile in one body to God. He has done so through the cross. He has brought us all near by the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary was the instrument of healing and reconciliation with God. True and complete peace (shalom) is only through the Lord Jesus Christ and His cross.
What about we who are believers though? Can we have peace with God? Yes! We are told in Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Can we have peace with our neighbor? It is possible and we should make every effort to do so (Romans 12:18). We have the power of God in the Gospel to extend peace to our neighbor. Acceptance is his responsibility.
Dear reader: is there still one or more to whom you have not yet applied the victory of Jesus and the power of the Gospel? Would it not be to your own peace to let Jesus be their peace through you as well? What do you have to lose? God did not seek revenge with us; He sought peace and reconciliation so that we could all by faith meet together in His household. Is yours a household needing peace? Jesus is the answer. Look to His cross and there you will see the wonder of peace.
