Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"So as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."
Text: Ephesians 2:15-16
A SIMPLE COORDINATE CONJUNCTION
The twin works of peace and reconciliation were joined together most effectively by the simple coordinate conjunction “and” (“kai”). Thus we must read Ephesians 2:15-16 together, for the thoughts are conjoint.
A HUGE BACKGROUND PROBLEM
In order to understand the word “reconciliation” more completely, we need to look at the book of Hosea where the relationship between Israel and God was badly estranged.
1. The threat of being shown “no more mercy”
Being estranged from God put Israel into serious danger. Consider the solemn word that the prophet Hosea had to proclaim to ancient Israel.
“Call her name Lo-Ruhamah (literally “no mercy”)
For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel.”
HOSEA 1:6
2. The threat of being no longer called “God’s people”
There was another grave danger of losing the privilege of being called “God’s people”.
“Then God said,
‘Call his name Lo-Ammi (literally, “not my people”)
For you are not My people,
And I will not be your God.”
HOSEA 1:9
Despite all that God had done to bless His people, they had turned away from Him.
GRAVE CONSEQUENCES
Israel had sinned gravely against God. To turn away from God had grave consequences. The following text describes the dilemma ancient Israel was in.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.”
HOSEA 4:6
1. The threat of Rejection
Since ancient Israel had broken the covenant of God and had in effect rejected Him, they were in danger of being totally rejected.
2. The threat to Posterity
The threat was bigger than ancient Israel had comprehended. Subsequent generations could be adversely affected. Their children could end up being “forgotten by God”.