City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2:17-18

Reflection

In chapter 1, Paul explained to the Ephesian believers that, because of their trust in Jesus, they had now been enthroned in the heavenly realms above all rulers, powers and authority. In the beginning of chapter 2, he tells them that before they believed in Jesus, they were dead because their life was completely subject to these powers. These powers are the spiritual forces and worldly systems that entrap humanity. They do this by tricking humanity into defiance of God, just as the serpent in the garden did so with Eve.

In today’s passage, Paul introduces a new theme: Peace. What is the peace that Jesus came and proclaimed? It was access to God. Before, when we were trapped in subjection to these Powers, God was out of our reach. They blinded us to the truth about God and ourselves. Jesus took the brunt of all of the wickedness that the powers had to inflict as he died on the cross. In being raised to life, Jesus exposed their lies and reclaimed the power humanity had surrendered to them by our rebellion. Now, Jesus is our path right past them to the presence of God the Father, and the Holy Spirit guides, translates (Romans 8:26), and advocates (John 14:26) on our behalf.

In this instance, Paul mentions that this peace was proclaimed both to Israelites (near) and to gentiles (far away), and now both groups have it through the same Spirit. The division between Israel and the nations is obsolete for those who are in Christ! We all serve one Ruler and King, Jesus, we are possessed by the same Spirit, and we’re all headed to the same destination–the presence of God the Father!

Application

The divisions that exist today between nations, religions, races, genders, political factions, socioeconomic classes, and ideological differences are driven by demonic forces. This is a key strategy of our enemy, the satan, to distract humanity from the peace we have with God. Living in the presence of Almighty God–Father, Son, and Spirit, together in harmony with all of the saints, is the picture of true peace. We have this access today while the world is in turmoil around us. Just as the division between Israel and the nations no longer applies to followers of Jesus, these new (and old) divisions are also below our standing, coheirs and rulers within the Kingdom of God. We can be a people of truth without stoking division, with the help of the Spirit.

Prayer

Father God,
We thank You for making peace with us.
We thank You for making a way for us to be with You, and You with us.
Forgive us for participating in the divisions that are perpetuated by evil powers in the world around us. May we speak truth, without stoking division.
Heal our hearts, draw us to Your perspective.
Amen