The Mystery of the Church

 

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:14-21 ESV).

 

Over the past five decades of ministry, both as a pastor and counselor I have heard many different stories from new believers.  Many of these were from people who did not grow up in a church or who were rejected or bullied by church people in the past. They shared that as they were invited into our church, it was the first time they felt they belonged and were not judged. They learned that there was a place for them. It was the reason they stayed. That has always been my focus. I remind myself that there are no nail prints in my hands and therefore I have no right to judge others.

 

This thought brought me to the mystery of the community of faith. In our reading today the apostle gives us a glimpse of how it felt for Gentiles, who had long been treated as outsiders, to be invited into God’s story of good news for all peoples. Paul reminds them in Ephesians that they are vital members of God’s family. God’s story of reconciliation is amazing. Jesus’ death on the cross for all sinners has broken down the hostility between all peoples. We are all equal at the cross. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross gave us one body, not many. It is the place where we lay down our differences and pick up God’s grace.

 

Too often in the church we have divided over what is comfortable for us rather than what God offers. Today is a good day to meet your neighbor or anyone who needs to know that the good-news story includes them.