Ephesians 2:11-22

Be Still: Jesus, Prince of Peace, I come to you today to sit at your feet. To learn from you. To look more like you. Come and meet with me. Amen

Read: Ephesians 2:11-22 

'He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.’ (v.17)

Encounter: Peace to contemporary society tends to mean one of two extremes: Peace - the opposite of military war; Peace - candles, infusers, and spa days. 

Our passage today speaks of a far deeper, wider peace. A peace that includes but extends way beyond those familiar concepts. This is a peace that brings together divided people – in the immediate context, Jews and Gentiles/Greeks. This is a peace that brings together fallen, broken humanity and holy God. How? Who or what could do such a thing? Who could bring about such comprehensive, powerful, everlasting peace?

Only Jesus. ‘He himself is our peace’ (v.13-14).

The peace we all long for – whether that’s the end to war and human suffering, or inner peace from anxieties and fears – can only come from the increased presence of God in our lives. In Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, this peace-presence can be activated in our hearts and minds, and in our world through prayer. 

This is how our passage ends today, reminding us we have ‘access in one Spirit to the Father’ (v18). We can pray, talk to Father God through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, accessing and calling on his peace-presence to fill us each day, each moment. And ultimately, one day, that peace-presence, will fulfil and complete all of Creation’s longing for an end to suffering. 

Apply: Think today about two things:

Where do you need more peace-presence in your own life? 

What part of God’s world is on your heart to pray for his peace and his presence to reign over and fill?

Devote:  Jesus, I praise you that you are our peace. I ask you to fill me afresh today with your peace-presence and that you would bring your peace to our broken world. Come Lord Jesus Come. Holy Spirit Come.