Building a strong and solid foundation - Fausiaina se faavae malosi ma mautū

Scripture Focus: Efeso 2:14-22

For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:14-22 (WEB)

Study:

Paul powerfully describes the unifying work of Christ in Ephesians 2:14-22. Prior to Christ, there was a significant divide between Jews and Gentiles, a 'middle wall of partition' representing the law and societal norms that kept them separate. This separation created hostility and alienation from God. However, through his death on the cross, Jesus abolished this division, creating one new humanity – a unified people reconciled to God and to one another. He brought peace, offering access to both groups, through one Spirit, to the Father. We are no longer foreigners but citizens of God’s household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus being the cornerstone. This building – the Church – is a holy temple, growing and flourishing as we are fitted together in the Spirit.

Application:

This passage challenges us to actively dismantle any walls we build between ourselves and others. This could be based on ethnicity, social status, political views, or any other dividing factor. As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s unifying work in our lives, embracing diversity and fostering reconciliation. We are part of a living structure, continually being built up together, needing one another and relying on the strength of the cornerstone, Jesus. Our lives should be a testament to the peace that Jesus offers, extending grace and understanding to all.

Reflection Questions:

• What 'walls' exist in your community or within your own heart that hinder unity?
• How can you actively work towards reconciliation in a relationship where there is division?
• What does it mean to you that Christ Jesus is the chief cornerstone of our faith?
• How does understanding ourselves as ‘fellow citizens’ with other believers impact your interactions with them?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for breaking down the walls that separate us from you and from one another. Help us to be instruments of peace, reflecting your love and grace in all our interactions. Strengthen us as we build up your Church and strive for unity in the Spirit. Amen.

Tags: Ephesians, reconciliation, peace, unity, church, cornerstone, building, Gentiles, Jews, Christ, gospel, foundation, spiritual growth, Christian life