Filed under: Devotions
William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were men that were opposed to each other in a much smaller degree than the Jews and Greeks, but this is still something that I think of when I read Ephesians 2:11-22.
One in Christ
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
This passage shows us that, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, any hostility that the Jew and Gentile believers had between them was nullified. In the same way, this applies to believers of various ethnicities, denominations, ages, and socioeconomic statuses today. When you see a believer who is different from you, do you judge them in your heart self-righteously? Or do you see them as the blood-bought brother that Christ has made them?
May we be biblical men, not merely as our world sees masculinity; where it is often associated with pride, self-reliance, self-glorification, and contentiousness. Instead, may we be known for our unity in Christ. For through His blood, He has broken down the walls of hostility.
This passage brings to light the relevance and importance of conferences like Together for the Gospel. This conference brings together leaders from various Christian denominations and movements, in order to recount the unity that all Christians share in the Gospel of Grace, even while having biblical convictions that differ.
Praise God for great examples like this for us to follow as we seek to live out the biblical directive. We are informed and transformed by our merciful God’s atoning work on the cross on our behalf.
May we be men who are unified through Christ!
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Manspeak 
I am sure what you said was well said…but I got so distracted with the Braveheart clip, that I had to go watch more scenes on you tube…and I forgot what it is you said.
Comment by SVD June 18, 2008 @ 7:59 amNice, Shawn. Did you take your ritalin today?
Comment by Caleb H. June 18, 2008 @ 1:40 pm