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The Book of Ephesians part 4 – Week 41 / October 7th
Honoring the human vehicle of God’s grace
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one,
And has broken down the middle wall of separation..”
Ephesians 2:11-22
Paul now reminds his gentile readers that they have become part of something that is already 2000 years old. That is; a revelation of the existence and character of the one true God. Having just reminded them of the incredible grace of God that has now saved them he goes on to remind them that, in human terms, this marvelous grace has come to them through the children of Israel. Therefore:
1. They were not a people V11-13
They should remember that they were in total darkness and strangers to a people who had enjoyed God’s presence, power and grace for centuries. They were totally excluded from the family wherein the Kingdom of God was established and made real. This should enhance their sense of appreciation for the Jewish people because theirs was a great and godly commonwealth. They were truly nothing and aliens but the spilt blood of A Jewish Messiah has brought them into amazing spiritual blessings. How sad it is that a Gentile and powerful Church through the centuries has so easily forgotten this. The consequences of forgetfulness have been catastrophic!
2. They are a new people V14-18
The Temple in Jerusalem contained a “middle wall of partition” which separated Jews from Gentiles. While the Temple was indeed a “house of prayer for all nations” gentiles were required to stay on the correct side of this dividing wall. If they straddled this wall and mingled with Jewish worshippers they would be stoned to death. This was indeed a tough dividing line and it was on this trumped up accusation that Paul was arrested in the Temple compound. The Jews accused him of bringing a gentile into the restricted area. Separation was thus the norm and it was ordered by God Himself! In the fullness of time Jesus came and because of what He did on the cross for all men He opened the way for all people to stand together as a new family before His Father in Heaven. In fact Jesus’ death brings all human divisions to an end and thus unites rich and poor, slave and free, employers and employees, black and white and Jews and Gentiles. By the grace of a Jewish Messiah a new people have emerged who have one thing in common: Christ in them the hope of glory! The result is peace in human relationships. Christians, of all stripes, should challenge their hearts about this. Division is not of God!
3. They are a new Temple V19-22
A people infused with the life of God collectively and in a locality, wherever in the world, are a sacred dwelling place; indeed a Temple! A Temple can be defined as a place where God dwells or, as Paul puts it “the household of God.” This Temple is made up of living stones and thus can only be experienced when the many stones come together to worship God. Anointed by the Holy Spirit these “human stones” give praise to God and, as people are added to their number, the Temple grows and glows with holiness; the likeness of Jesus! It is a marvelous Temple because it is built upon the saving work of Jesus on the cross and is testified to and verified by the prophetic witnesses and apostolic eye witnesses. Gentiles have come from being nobodies to being God’s own precious dwelling place. Gratitude is the disposition in them that is appropriate!
Also this passage reminds us of the dignity and importance of the local Church. Christians who do not attend a local Church are disobedient, ungrateful and spiritually impoverished! We should take heed. In addition we should take note that the Church then is not a building of brick and mortar no matter how beautiful. No; its walls, doors and halls are real people filled with God’s love!
Malcolm Hedding
©Malcolm Hedding Ministries
2013Devotional