October 9, 2019
Scripture Ephesians 2:14-18
So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:18 NRSV
It is truly a blessing that we can live in relative peace among so many views of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, worship, prayer, and scripture. Too often, we would rather argue about various topics, but this diverts us from the more important focus of Christian service. One of the great concerns in these arguments is salvation, certainly. But, that source of peace, true peace, is not of our making. It is a power and acceptance that comes from God; and, this redemption we seek remains a function of Christ’s resurrection and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
The writer of Ephesians had a glimpse of God’s vision of peace. Now, in our reading this same idea and quality of living has spanned thousands of years, so that you and I could take it up among ourselves this day. As believers, we continue to proclaim that God is good. But, more than that God is concerned for us, but not limited to us. In prayer and worship, we are uniting with congregations and believers around the world. In this way, we take one step closer to unity in God. And, we declare that we see the world and life differently from those outside the faith.
The power of the Risen Christ, we break down even the most stubborn barriers that confront us. Through our prayers and our choices, we lay the foundation of hope for us and for the generations who will follow us in the faith. When we practice our faith in humility trusting in God’s power, we remain in communion with God and with one another. Through our faith and our choices, we yield ourselves to God, whom we know through Jesus Christ.
And, we show that, in this moment, peace can come to all: both those near at hand and to those who seem so far removed in body, for they remain so very near to us through the Holy Spirit.
Stan Reid