For He is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Ephesians 2:14
When Herod the Great had the Temple in Jerusalem rebuilt, he included a large open area that was not part of the temple proper but was for the convenience of those who conducted activities associated with the temple. It was here, for example, that the money changers and livestock stalls were operating. It became known as the Court of the Gentiles because Gentiles were permitted to be there. If a Gentile wished to worship God, he could do so in that court. But he could go no further. Only Jews were permitted to go beyond a wall of partition that separated the outer temple from the inner temple. All of the activities related to the worship that God set forth in the Scriptures took place inside that wall. All of the sacrifices were there, as were the laver and other furnishings of the temple. The priests and the singers carried out their duties there. And of course, the Holy of Holies was there, representing the presence of God. No Gentile was permitted to participate in any of that. At the moment of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, the veil that hid the view of the sanctuary was rent from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), abolishing the limitation that had existed on the access to God. At the same time, the wall of partition that prevented Gentiles from entering the temple, was also abolished, although the Jews did not recognize that at the time. But we recognize it and appreciate it today. Along with the peace that it brings.
One thing that our world talks the most about and knows the least about is peace. One group doesn’t like certain things about another group, and picks a fight. One nation wants what another nation has, and finds an excuse to invade and plunder. One family is jealous about what another family has, and opens a feud. But that is not God’s plan, especially for His people. Consider these words: ‘There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all’ (Colossians 3:11). All the barriers are broken down, not just the wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, but also the walls and barriers that separate people everywhere. But do we keep those barriers down?
When Christians get together, at least in the ideal situations, differences in race don’t matter. Nor do differences in language, or customs, or dress, or diet, or any other thing that often divides humanity. Fellowship among believers from diverse backgrounds is amazing in its warmth and acceptance. Things that the world fights over become delightful difference that help us to enjoy and appreciate each other. All because of the peace that comes from belonging to the Lord Jesus. He not only made peace between us and God, but peace among ourselves. Try not to disrupt that peace today. – Jim MacIntosh