Ephesians 2:14,15
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15by 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,”
Peace is a greatly sought after commodity. We want peace in the Middle East, peace amongst the races, peace amongst the generations, peace amongst the classes, etc. I believe this passage is referring to peace amongst the Jews and Gentiles. On the topic of peace, we also want it within. Many of us are boiling pots of anxiety. Some are guilt ridden. There are other experiences of a lack of peace within. It’s sought after by many means: religion, hedonism, materialism, drugs, science, relationships, and more. The immediate context is the Jews and Gentiles. God gave the law to the Jews to be an example unto the world, as well as to usher in the messiah. This was all fulfilled in Jesus. Through Him, the Israelites were the fountainhead that the blessings of God showers the world. God did want the people to have a certain amount of seperation. This was exaggerated and it brought hostility between the peoples. Jesus by his fulfillment of the Law, destroyed the dividing wall. The people can be as one. The potential is there. Now everyone will come to christ.
A secondary area where Jesus brings peace is within. Because we have sin, we are seperated from God. Because we don’t have peace with Him, we aren’t at peace within. It’s evidenced in some of the ways described above. We do many things to soothe this. However, Jesus is to be our peace at this point, also. By accepting His forgiveness, we are reconciled to our Father. Peace at last. Much like silence in the desert can be felt, this peace is real. It’s more than the absence of conflict. Because we are in God’s presence now, His radiant self warms us. His love affects us. This is tangible peace. A biblical passage says, “may the peace is God, which passes all understanding, guard your heart.” This is one of the evidences that we are right with God. After accepting Christ and His forgiveness and submitting to His lordship, we have this peace. With some it’s instantanious, with others it’s more subtle and shows up in a less dramatic way. It’s a wonderful reminder thoughout our day that God is with us. As we face any circumstance, either difficult, pleasant or mundane, His peace is a constant comfort. It can bring a contentment which is sought after by the rich and poor, genius and average, famous and not, etc.. The search can end in Him. Lord, thank You for Your peace. Thank You for Your presence.
A secondary area where Jesus brings peace is within. Because we have sin, we are seperated from God. Because we don’t have peace with Him, we aren’t at peace within. It’s evidenced in some of the ways described above. We do many things to soothe this. However, Jesus is to be our peace at this point, also. By accepting His forgiveness, we are reconciled to our Father. Peace at last. Much like silence in the desert can be felt, this peace is real. It’s more than the absence of conflict. Because we are in God’s presence now, His radiant self warms us. His love affects us. This is tangible peace. A biblical passage says, “may the peace is God, which passes all understanding, guard your heart.” This is one of the evidences that we are right with God. After accepting Christ and His forgiveness and submitting to His lordship, we have this peace. With some it’s instantanious, with others it’s more subtle and shows up in a less dramatic way. It’s a wonderful reminder thoughout our day that God is with us. As we face any circumstance, either difficult, pleasant or mundane, His peace is a constant comfort. It can bring a contentment which is sought after by the rich and poor, genius and average, famous and not, etc.. The search can end in Him. Lord, thank You for Your peace. Thank You for Your presence.