For he himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two groups one (Jews and Gentiles) 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. Eph. 2:14-18 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, we praise, bless, and adore you for making peace between God and us. Through your finished work, we haven’t just been reconciled to God, but have become objects of his affection and children of his delight—a people upon whom Abba’s favor rests and for whom heaven’s joys are prepared. Hallelujah, many times over!
And we praise you for tearing down the wall of hostility between Gentiles, Jews and all races. It was always your plan to do so—to make enemies into friends; and replace hostility with hospitality, enmity with empathy, and loathing with loving. Indeed, in you, Jesus, distinctions are no longer barriers that exclude, but bridges that unite. Diversity becomes a bouquet of beauty when the gospel is in play.
Nothing is impossible for you, Lord Jesus, so we earnestly ask you to do this same heart-healing peace-making work in our most broken relationships. By the power of the gospel tear down the dividing walls between husbands and wives, children and parents; between good friends and in church families. You alone are Redeemer and Reconciler—our peace and Peacemaker. You are most glorified in us when our relationships reveal the wonders of your love and the grandeur of your grace.
One Day, we will love perfectly as you love us, Jesus. May we, in this day, give concrete evidence of that sure and coming Day. So very Amen we pray, in your merciful and mighty name.