His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace …
Summary: God changed the rules when he instituted a new covenant in Jesus’ blood. Trying to figure out what those rules are and how to apply them has been a challenge for humanity ever since.
How would you feel if the Lord himself appeared to you and told you that you were his chosen one? Not only are you his chosen one, but all of your descendants will be his special people. Do you think that would make you feel kind of special? Maybe you would feel just a teensy bit more important than the rest of the world?
Something like this happened to Israel. The reason Paul is talking about two groups becoming one is that Jews had painted themselves into a corner. On the one hand, they were God’s chosen people. On the other, they were living under Roman rule. Somehow, that didn’t seem right. If they are God’s chosen people, how come they weren’t in charge?
The other thing Israel struggled with had to do with the whole “clean vs. unclean” thing. Under the old covenant law, Jews were forbidden to intermingle with outsiders. Examples of this include the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4):
“‘The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” (John 4:9)
Another example is the time Peter was told to visit Cornelius by the Holy Spirit (See Acts 10). Cornelius was a Gentile, and normally Peter would not have dared go into a Gentile’s house. In this case, he had just seen a vision that overturned fifteen centuries of Mosaic law.
The result of living under the old covenant so many years was that new Jewish believers had a hard time letting go of their traditions. Talking with Gentiles seemed weird to them. Eating unclean food was really weird. Gentiles, for their part, were put off by the Jew’s attitude toward them. (This is why the story of the Good Samaritan [Luke 10:25-37] was so shocking to the Jews of Jesus’ day.)
Having God come down to earth and make a new covenant with humanity was a game changer. Trying to get people to understand that the game had changed was and is the challenge.
Application: Recognize that God’s new Covenant in Jesus’ blood is for all humanity.
Food for Thought: How does God expect us to act toward other people who do not know God?
Colossians 4: 5 – 6. 1 Peter 3: 15 – 16. 1 Peter 2: 17. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 – 18. You already mentioned the parable of the “Good Samaritan.”
Also Matthew 5: 13 – 16. The more I think on this the more Bible verses come to mind. Obviously, He wants us to be an example and testimony in word and deed.
Brother Rich,
Thank you for sharing these verses! They are excellent examples of what God wants to see in our lives. (I linked them here.)
04-22-2023, How does God expect us to act toward other people who do not know God?
I was walking with another to a restaurant one Sunday morning and a man approached, told me he was hungry and asked If I could give him money so he could buy something to eat. I told him to come into the restaurant with me and I would buy him whatever he wanted. He told me no, he would rather have the money. I explained I would pay for his food, but would not give him money, and he left.
Jesus Christ has chosen to minister to this world through His Church, His body on earth which is all believers. Allow Christ to extend His love to others, by allowing Him to discern the situation, feed the hungry, but don’t provide drugs to an addict,
1 Peter 4:10, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Ron
I love your example. Thank you for sharing!