He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.  Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.

Ephesians 2:17 – 19

Jesus preached peace to Jews and Gentiles alike.  That was disconcerting to the Jews who were steeped in their knowledge that they were the called-out ones!  To welcome Gentiles into their fold ran against their fundamental beliefs.  Yet, this is exactly what God was calling them to do.  The Gentiles had a daunting call as well, to love the Jewish believers in Jesus as they did their own.

Jews and Gentiles did not mix, in cultures.  Now, for those who believe, they embrace one another.  Is this not an impossibility?  Outside of Jesus, yes, in Him, no.

Today we live in a bewildering cultural mix, I speak of our total world.  The followers of Jesus from all cultures are all fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.  Jews and Gentiles who love Jesus are now in the same house!  Sharing the same space, loving one another as members of the same family, household.

Now, friend.  You might agree with me that Jesus’ way of unity, there in Ephesus, is exactly the same as ours!  There is no other way.  We find one another in Jesus and go from there – in this new fellowship of love that pays no attention at all to cultural achievements or failures.

My wife, Anna Ruth and I lived for years in the midst of African brothers and sisters in Christ.  Talk of a challenge!  That is true, but what God taught us changed everything!  We do not choose our spiritual brothers and sisters, God does!