ODB: The Story of a Wall
September 29, 2011
Christian unity begins at the cross.
READ: Ephesians 2:11-22
He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. —Ephesians 2:14
While visiting the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall in Northern England, I reflected on the fact that this may be the most remembered achievement of the Roman emperor who came to power in ad 117. As many as 18,000 Roman soldiers manned this 80-mile-long barrier, built to keep the northern barbarians from invading the south.
Hadrian is remembered for building a physical wall to keep people out. In contrast, Jesus Christ is remembered for tearing down a spiritual wall to let people in.
When the early church experienced tension between believers of Jewish and non-Jewish birth, Paul told them that, through Christ, they stood equally in the family of God. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation . . . so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace . . . . For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:14-15,18).
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Christian faith is the unity among those who follow Jesus. Through His death on the cross, Christ has removed the barriers that so often separate people and has drawn us together in true friendship and love.
— David C. McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS FeedRelated
ODJ: oh well
September 15, 2011 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? (James 4:1). READ: Genesis 26:12-25 I would rather work with pagans than with other Christians!” My friend’s statement wouldn’t be particularly surprising for an agnostic or atheist to make. But he’s a [...]
ODJ: rules and order
October 27, 2011 When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, . . . one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you (v.26). READ: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 As you step into the room, you’re greeted by a cacophony of noise. [...]
ODJ: before the eulogy
February 11, 2012 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ (v.11). READ: Philippians 1:1-11 In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom, Huck Finn, and Joe Harper sneaked off for a few days away without telling anyone. Back home, their distraught loved [...]
ODJ: reconciliation
August 26, 2011 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). READ: Genesis 32:1-5 Jacob conned his older twin brother and got his birthright (Genesis 25:29-33). Then he cheated Esau a second time when he tricked their father into giving him the blessings that belonged to [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米
I think we need to know what is the purpose of erecting a wall or the purpose of tearing down one. God’s word can be both. The law of God serves to protect us if we obey. Besides it creates a boundary and we are warned of the consquences if we step out. Yet, the Bible also teaches us that we are free to express our love for to one another within His moral law entails. We must tear down walls that do not encourage harmonies living among the saints. In context, according today text: Acceptance is the key.