Tuesday; December 10

          When we look back at the beginning of the Christian church it is easy for us to see the hand of God, but can you imagine what it was like to live it?  While there were several challenges faced by those first Christians, one of the ones that carried a great deal of conflict was the one between Jewish and Gentile Christians.  The Jews seemed to think that they had a historic inside track to godliness while the Gentiles could rely on their political power and logical reason – not to mention the fact that they hadn’t been the ones who led the crucifixion of Jesus.  While each faction could present their case, the fact remained that the Kingdom of God was made for both of them.  They might argue and fuss about who was superior, but the truth was that the gospel was for all.  The Apostle Paul tried to put an end to their fussing and fighting by writing about the unity found in Jesus, “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:14-16).  Simply put, they shouldn’t concern themselves with differences because Jesus brought spiritual unity.
          We don’t have much of an issue with Jewish and Gentile Christians today, but each generation continues to face the need to unify diverse populations – and the answer is still found in the peacemaker, Jesus.  Whether potential differences involve races, genders, political parties, nationalities or whatever else, the answer to people getting along is an acceptance of Jesus’ saving sacrifice for all mankind.
          Let’s not get caught up in what divides us.  Let’s focus on the One who brings us together under a banner of love.
          Think About It!

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