DECEMBER 12 – Reading 346

by John Pra | December 12

“BUT NOW”
(Acts 28:1-31; Ephesians 1:1 – 3:21)

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…” – Ephesians 2:13-14

It began in the Garden. Relationship breakdown. The first husband and wife pointing fingers at the other, deflecting blame for sin. The first children, Cain and Abel, brother murdering brother. The Genesis of countless stories of the same, repeating throughout human history.

We live in a world fractured by endless divisions — political, racial, cultural, even trivial loyalties like sports teams. These fault lines run deep, and sadly, they often creep into the church. In a time when believers must often navigate tension with their own brothers and sisters in Christ, Paul’s words in Ephesians 2 shine like a beacon of hope – “Christ Himself is our peace.”

Paul reminds the Ephesians that before Christ, both Jews and Gentiles were hopelessly separated — first from God, and then from each other. God’s Law had drawn a clear line between clean and unclean, insider and outsider. The man-made (Soreg) wall of the Temple made that division physical as well, warning Gentiles that approaching God’s presence could cost them their lives. But the truth was even harsher: neither group could truly come near to God, for all were dead in sin (2:1). Jews had the Law, but it only revealed the depth of their brokenness. Gentiles had no covenant, and therefore no hope. Different stories, but one identical spiritual condition — lostness.

“But now…” (2:13), Christ stepped in.

On the cross, Jesus did not simply forgive individuals; He dismantled division. He tore down the dividing wall — not just the literal one in the Temple, but the spiritual wall of hostility built and sustained by sin. In a culture so ready and willing to divide, Christians must remember: no matter how different we are, we were united first in our sin — and now, far more gloriously, in our Savior. Unity is not something we create; it is something Christ has already won. Our calling is to live it out.

Application:

• Let the Cross Define Your Relationships, Not Culture – Identify the “Walls” you’ve allowed to stand. The world sorts people into categories, Christ forms one new humanity. Commit to viewing every believer – no matter how different – as someone purchased by the same blood that saved you.

• Live as a “Temple Person” in a Divided World – You are the dwelling place of God. Let your speech, choices, and posture reflect the peace of Christ. Everywhere you go, carry the reconciling presence of the One who tore down every dividing wall.

Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Heal the fractures in my heart, my home, and Your church. Fill me with Your Spirit so I may see others as You see them – redeemed, loved, united in Your blood. Make me a living stone in Your holy temple, bearing witness to the world that You alone are our peace. Amen.