Day 17 – Oct. 17

“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” -Ephesians 2:14-16

According to Old Testament Law, Jews were to keep themselves separate from the Gentiles. By the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son Jesus, God removed “the dividing wall” between these two groups of people. Every person now comes to God in the same way—through “repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20). Since every person on the planet receives salvation in the same way, there is no reason for any person to think that he is superior to another.

Dear Lord, thank You that You are our Peace. Thank You that You ‘broke down the barrier of the dividing wall’ and that You ‘put to death the enmity’ between Jews and Gentiles. Thank You that salvation is now offered freely and equally to everyone who turns away from his sin and places his trust in You. Since You accept every sinner on the same basis, please help us to realize that no one is better than anyone else. Please help us to recognize racism for the sin that it is, and help us to repent of it.