City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Ephesians 2:14-16

Reflection

The distinction between Jew and Gentile in the first century was sharper and more significant than any racial distinction today. This wall of separation was not based merely on skin color, cultural differences or preferences but on the basis of perceived favor with God. And it manifested in Jewish interaction with Gentiles: Gentiles were not allowed into the inner sanctum of the Jewish temple, and many Jews would not even eat with a Gentile. 

And yet Jesus, by His death and resurrection, broke down the wall that divided the two. In the three verses above, notice how Paul repeatedly refers to Jesus in describing how that wall of separation was destroyed: “He Himself . . . has made both one,” “abolished in His flesh the enmity,” “to create in Himself one new man,” and “that He might reconcile both.” Jesus was the answer in reconciling Jew and Gentile, and He is the answer today for true racial reconciliation.

Application

Transcendence—the act of rising above something to a superior state—is necessary to overcome racial division. Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection provides the basis for that transcendence. One might not be willing to subordinate one’s cultural preferences or stereotypes for a political ideal, but one should for Jesus, and that is what He calls Christians to do.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be a catalyst this week in breaking down the wall of separation that fuels racism. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.