Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 

Meditation: 

Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation is nothing short of miraculous. His finished work on the cross is sufficient to reconcile sinners like you and me to a Holy God, but He doesn't stop there. He delights in extending His reconciliation to all of humanity, and, in this passage, those recipients are two seemingly irreconcilable people groups.  

The division between Jews and Gentiles ran deep. Jews believed that Gentiles lived outside of God’s promise and that virtually every aspect of their lives rendered them unclean. Gentiles frequently persecuted Jews and saw them as zealots. The hatred and pain stemming from generations of prejudice seemed irreparable. But Jesus’ plan for unity is for all people, regardless of race, culture or ethnicity. 

Through the cross, God reconciled these divided races into one body, known as the Church, where their unity in Jesus far outweighed their divisions in the flesh.  This unifying power, the power of one blood, is still flowing today. As Christians, reconciled to the Father through Christ, we too are equipped with power to be ministers of reconciliation. 

The pain and division caused by racism in America is also deep, but as Christians, we have access to something much, much deeper — the healing and unifying power of Jesus’ blood. Just like the Jews and Gentiles of the early church, we have the opportunity to reflect Biblical reconciliation in our homes, relationships, places of work and places of worship. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier … ”  

What steps can you take today to help live out this Biblical call to unity?  

Pray: Jesus, thank You that, through Your blood, we are one church, one race and one humanity. Use me as a minister of reconciliation. Amen.