He . . . has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2:14-16
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com
that states that Holy
Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and
Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day
devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #44: To Destroy the Hostility Between Races. The devotion opens with John Piper sharing historical background from when the New Testament was written: "[t]he suspicion, prejudice, and demeaning attitudes between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) in New Testament times was as serious as the racial, ethnic, and national hostilities in our day." Piper points to Galatians 2:11-12 where Paul describes antagonism some from the circumcision party had for Peter (Cephas) when they saw him sharing meals with non-Jewish Christians but then Peter backed away from such fellowship when he feared reprisal from more conservative Jews (circumcision party). Paul immediately recognized this hostility and antagonism and Piper refers us to Galatians 2:14 where the text says "[Paul] saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel." Piper goes on to state that "[t]his is a crucial statement. Racial and ethnic segregation is a gospel issue! [Peter’ fear and withdrawal from fellowship across ethnic lines was “not in step with the truth of the gospel.” Christ had died to tear down this wall." Galatians 2:14 also describes how Paul confronted Peter from backing down from sharing fellowship with the Gentiles, and Piper describes the scene: "[Paul] confronted Cephas publicly....[Peter's] withdrawal from fellowship with non-Jewish Christians communicated a deadly message: You must become like Jews to be fully acceptable. This was the very thing that Christ died to abolish." Piper then summarizes for us: "Jesus died to create a whole new way for races to be reconciled. Ritual and race are not the ground of joyful togetherness. Christ is. He fulfilled the law perfectly. All the aspects of it that separated people ended in him—except one: the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to build a lasting unity among races by saying that all religions can come together as equally valid. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. God sent him into the world as the one and only means of saving sinners and reconciling races forever. If we deny this, we undermine the very foundation of eternal hope and everlasting unity among peoples. By his death on the cross, something cosmic, not parochial, was accomplished. God and man were reconciled. Only as the races find and enjoy this will they love and enjoy each other forever. In overcoming our alienation from God, Christ overcomes it between races." Amen!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for tearing down the wall of hostility among races, ethnicities, nationalities, etc. Only You provide the basis for peace! Thank You Father God. I am not deserving of this blessing, my salvation, nor any of blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...harshness with others. Please forgive me, and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
