Day 30 - No Walls

Name: David Timms (faculty)

Scripture:

“Jesus … broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” (Ephesians 2:14)

Reflections:

The Jewish Temple, a place to honor and worship God, had a series of courts with walls and gates between them. Gentiles could enter one court; women another; Jewish males the innermost. If a Gentile or a woman ventured past their walls, death might follow.

The irony should be obvious. The God who made all humanity equal, was worshipped in a place that enforced divisions. With this in mind, Paul’s statement to the Ephesians (above) speaks powerfully. No more walls. No more separated courts. We all get to worship together, as equals. Jesus has not only declared the Father’s heart for unity but confronted our propensity for division.

Lent reminds us of this equality. Anyone may pursue God—the One who pursues us! This season belongs to everyone, not the elite or the educated. No walls. No courts. And if it reminds us of our equality, perhaps it also calls us to unity.

The ancient divisions in the Temple honored neither God nor man. The same remains true. Division always diminishes us.

Prayer for the Day:

Father, help us know how we can we make those around us more one with us. Help me to speak and act so as to “break down the barrier of the dividing wall” and thus honor Christ.