Dividing Walls

Ephesians 2:11-22

When our daughters were younger, they shared a bedroom together.  Some days they viewed it as some sort of horrible punishment.  One day they had all that they could take.  When I walked into their room, I saw that they had placed a thick grey tape right down the middle of the room.  One half for our older daughter and the other for the younger.  The visual implication was clear: don’t come across the line because what is over here belongs to me.  I pulled up the tape and reminded them that they are a part of one family – even in disagreements, we are still one.  I must point out that they still care deeply for each other, even though they now live “miles” apart.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus to remind them that Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled together through Jesus and that in Christ we are one family.  “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both of us one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility” -Ephesians 2:14  Jesus did this through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.  You and I, as children of God, must tear down any walls that harbor hostility and barriers that might separate us from one another and seek reconciliation and restoration.  Give this some thought: “what barriers are dividing me from others and from God?”

In closing, I invite you to pray this prayer:

“Gracious and loving God, thank You for removing the barriers that divide me from others and separate me from You.  Help me to live in harmony with one another through the peace that is offered in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.”