December 20, 2004

THE PEACEMAKER

"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" (Ephesians 2:15, NKJV).

Man's original harmony with God was broken by sin. It separated humanity from its Creator and brought enmity, strife, and hostility (see Romans 8:7). In His infinite love, God sent His Son as the messenger of peace to bring this estrangement to an end. The "Peacemaker" came to show mankind that God is not their enemy. On the contrary, He is a compassionate Father, a God who loves all His children with unconditional love.

Our Saviour's peace-making mission has reconciled humanity to God and has also abolished the long-standing enmity between Jew and Gentile which represented the larger enmity between man and man. The death of the "Peacemaker" has demolished the walls of separation and enmity. His death has brought all true believers together in one new humanity. Race, ethnicity, color, class, and gender differences are now unimportant. Through the "Peacemaker" we enjoy one spiritual fellowship of love (see Galatians 3:28). We have been made one spiritual family under the impartial Fatherhood of God (see 1 Thessalonians 5:13).

Because of our new peace relationship with God and man, we are to become peacemakers who "follow peace with all men" (Hebrews 12:14). We are to pray for peace, seek peace, work for peace, and be peacemakers in the home, the church, and the world to which we belong. "Christ's followers are sent to the world with the message of peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed, shall lead another to renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a peacemaker."--God's Amazing Grace, p. 320.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I have been reconciled through Christ, the Peacemaker. Help me to be a true peacemaker. Amen.