Peace and Reconciliation

16Mar
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
-Romans 5:1-11


The word that jumps out at me first in this scripture is "peace". Specifically, the present tense statement that we have it. And how do we have this peace with God? Through our Lord Jesus Christ, not from our own brave decision to change sides in the epic conflict between good and evil. 


We have this peace because someone fought the battle on our behalf, freed us from the darkness and helped us cross to the camp of God. We are recipients of a remarkable gift, access to God. Not because we are worthy of it, not because we have forced our way in, but because Christ has made it possible for us. Another word jumps out at me in this passage, and it's the last one - "reconciliation". Paul has explained how we are reconciled to God. And I believe the big challenge for us in our divided world is that we should take inventory of our human relationships, forgive others, reconcile with them. What God has done for us in Jesus should inspire that in us and more.  


Musical Reflection - Deep Peace, by John Rutter - Libera


O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in

harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PeaceReconciliation

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