“He Broke the Dividing Wall” - Episode 32 in the series, “Letter to the Ephesians”

In this episode, we are reminded of the many ways our hearts are divided from one another. Jonah brings in the story of Paul’s approval of Steven’s persecution as a poignant example of this division. Saul/Paul is forever changed when he comes to recognize that by persecuting Steven, he is persecuting Christ. Paul’s direct experience of Christ Jesus’ radiant light and love shining down on him as he travels toward Damascus, is what continues to shine through his letters. This recognition united his heart with Steven’s heart and with God’s heart, breaking down the walls that divide us. Paul understands that Christ is the universal medicine that heals our egotism. He experienced firsthand the true self that is received through Christ and reconciles us with our brothers and sisters. Are we willing to die to our old selves and receive new life through Him?

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”  Eph 2:14-16 (ESV)