12/8/19
Scripture:
Genesis 3:8-13; Ephesians 2:11-22
Highlighted Verse:
For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:14, ESV
Devotion:
Today’s advent reading moves us from the theme of hope to the theme of peace. Genesis 3:8-13 and Ephesians 2:11-22 teach us that God pursues us, even when we sin against Him. Our sin leaves us with no hope of gaining peace with God (Eph. 2:12). But, through Jesus Christ, we can have peace because He is our peace (Eph. 2:14)! Here is the great promise of Ephesians 2:13-14 – that through Jesus Christ we gain peace with God and are brought near to Him! Through sin we are separated but through Jesus we are brought near to God and made right with Him. The result of gaining peace with God is two-fold: First, we become members of the house of God (Eph. 2:19; John 1:12; Rom. 8:15-17). Second, we become a house of God (Eph. 2:22; 1 Cor. 6:19). There is no hostility between God and His children.