Master of Wholeness

Ephesians 2:14-18 (VOICE)
He is the embodiment of our peace, sent once and for all to take down the great barrier of hatred and hostility that has divided us so that we can be one. He offered His body on the sacrificial altar to bring an end to the law’s ordinances and dictations that separated Jews from the outside nations. His desire was to create in His body one new humanity from the two opposing groups, thus creating peace. Effectively the cross becomes God’s means to kill off the hostility once and for all so that He is able to reconcile them both to God in this one new body.

The Great Preacher of peace and love came for you, and His voice found those of you who were near and those who were far away. By Him both have access to the Father in one Spirit.

We can’t talk about the peace that Jesus was to bring forth as he came to earth without recognizing just 33 years later what he did to bring about peace in his death as well. Jesus was and is and will forever be the embodiment of peace. But this peace goes beyond the hostility between people, it is the shalom that he will bring with him when he comes again. When all will creation be restored and his desire to create one body will come to fruition.

This world is full up of hostility and pain and suffering. We can’t escape that. But what Jesus promises is not cheap peace in this current world. He is offering peace in a holistic, mind-body-spiritual-relational way today. Right now. When we ask for it, he will show up. It is concrete and available today. As he forgives and heals us and our relationships, he reigns as Prince of Peace.

Is there a blind spot in your own life where you need to ask forgiveness or healing and allow Jesus to bring peace? Jesus wants to restore us and is waiting. No judgments, just grace and forgiveness given with the widest open arms ready to bring you in.

Lectio Divina Practice
As you walk through the Lectio Divina today, read the scripture above and meditate on it, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to you.

1. Silencio: Come into God’s presence. Quietly prepare your heart to meet with and hear from Him.  Slow down, relax, release the noisy thoughts that crowd your mind over to him.

2. Lectio: Read the scripture above slowly and out loud, let words resonate with you. Be aware of words that stick out to you. When a word or phrase grabs your attention, stop reading. Sit with it. Open your hearts to what God is saying to you. Underline the phrase, make notes of what you’re hearing. Don’t analyze it or judge it. Listen and wait.

3. Meditatio: Meditate. Read the Scripture a second time out loud. Savor the words. Listen for any invitation that God is extending to you in this word. Reflect on the importance of the words that light up to you.

4. Oratio: Respond, pray. Read the Scripture a third time. Now is the moment to enter into a personal conversation with God. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The important thing is to respond truthfully and authentically. What feelings has the text brought about in you? Talk about where you are feeling resistant or want to push back, and of where you feel invited into a deeper way of being with God.

5. Contemplatio: Contemplate, rest and wait in the presence of God. Allow some time for the word to sink deeply into your soul. Yield and surrender yourself to God. Before you leave, you might consider a reminder that can help you dwell on this word throughout the day.

Family Moments
Read Ephesians 2:14-18 together. You can experience peace right now! Jesus is in the business of restoring relationships. Is there someone in your family you need to ask for forgiveness? Maybe it’s even your children. Demonstrate what forgiving someone looks like. Share about a time you had to ask for forgiveness. God is a good and faithful God and sent Jesus so that the world’s brokenness can be repaired!