Re-Center Around God
Ephesians 2:14a,18
For he himself is our peace…
through him we both have access
to the Father by one Spirit.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
Today’s focus ties our peace theme with the mission of God. We view that mission through two lenses: That of Jesus and then of ourselves. Initially we have God’s MISSION: Jesus as Peacemaker.
Despite the added length, I want you to read the following words of Paul; you can see the heart of peace that God has for us in relation to both Himself and toward others. Here is the context from which the phrase above was taken:
Ephesians 2:14-18
For he himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Next, we have God’s MISSION: You as Peacemaker.
2 Corinthians 2:20a, adapted
We are Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
Produced out of God’s peacemaking Son Jesus comes a new creation, a new piece of creation at it were, re-made or made new. We then, as new creations, take on the character and mission of our peacemaking master Jesus; He who reconciled us to the Father is calling us to a ministry of reconciliation for others to God – and to each other. Here is the fuller reading:
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Author Kent Hughes describes peacemakers in contrast to what he calls their opposites: troublemakers, people who are mean-spirited, who stir up strife or create conflict. Troublemakers don’t often reflect the character of Jesus.
Of course, Jesus caused His share of trouble, as will many peacemakers too. But He didn’t cause it through gossip and rumor; nor should we. One other thing about peace: Wanting peace and being at peace are not the same. Yes, the Apostle Paul tells us to "live at peace with everyone". But taking in the whole verse, he writes “If possible, as far depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
Review for the week
Am I a peacemaker? A troublemaker? Neither? Do I seek peace? Do I look for trouble? Do I avoid conflict in a way that creates tension rather than peace?
Repent if Necessary
Review key relationships with the Lord (family, work, etc.); ask for His perspective on interactions with these people. Don’t skip over strained associations. Apologize to God for speaking negatively to or about others, for avoiding certain people, or for causing trouble for others.
Return as Necessary
Ask Jesus to give you a right heart and spirit toward all people. Revisit God’s extreme kindness in reconciling you to Himself – and let that serve as motivation to improve your own peace-making desires.
Prayer for the Day
Lord God, I am grateful to be reconciled to You through Jesus Christ, my sin not counted against me. Though I cannot match Your level of peacemaking, let me mirror it as an ambassador for Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.