Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
16  And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Ephesians 2:16

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. The work of Reconciliation

a) This was another work of the Lord Jesus Christ
b) This area of work was not highlighted in the Gospels though

2. Both
This is a reference to:

a) Jews
b) Gentiles

3. One body
This is a reference to:

a) The body of the Lord Jesus Christ
b) That is, the church

4. The Cross

a) This is a reference to the death of the Lord Jesus Christ
b) This reconciliation was possible only through His death

5. The enmity

a) Between Jews and Gentiles
b) This enmity was put to death

c) In God’s sight

i) There is no enmity
ii) There is no Jew or Gentile
iii) There is only one Body of the Lord Jesus Christ

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. It is important that we understand:

a) The doctrine of the Cross
b) There are many deep lessons to meditate on

2. Work of Reconciliation

a) This was an area of work that was not picked up in the Gospels
b) But it was noted here very clearly

3. Ministry of Reconciliation

a) The Apostle Paul wrote about this in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
b) Paul spoke of this as a ministry

4. The Practice of this ministry of reconciliation

a) God is seeking to get the world to reconcile to Him
b) He has committed to us this word of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:19
c) We are called to be “ambassadors for Christ” 2 Corinthians 5:20

5. Appropriate response

a) Know the Lord’s word very well
b) Be challenged to practise being an ambassador for the Lord faithfully

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan