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Wake Up, O Lord!
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Psalm 44:23-24 comes in the context of an extended lament, in which the psalmist accuses God of mistreating his people, even though they have not broken his covenant (v. 17). The lament concludes with this gripping verse: “But for your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep” (v. 22). In desperation, the psalmist cries out to... Read More + |
Why Did Christ Tear Down the Wall? Part 2
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In yesterday's reflection, I began to answer the question, "Why did Christ tear down the 'wall' separating Jews from Gentiles?" Ephesians 2:15 explains that Christ's purpose had two parts: "His purpose was [1] to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and [2] in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross."... Read More + |
Why Did Christ Tear Down the Wall? Part 1
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In the last two reflections, we saw that Christ tore down the "dividing wall" between Jews and Gentiles through his death on the cross. His sacrifice not only secured salvation for individuals, but also paved the way for the end of hostility in communities of people. We intuitively sense that bringing an end to hostility is a good thing, but we might... Read More + |
How Did Christ Tear Down the Wall?
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In yesterday's reflection, we saw that Christ destroyed the wall that divided Jews from Gentiles, thus bringing peace and making both groups one. How did Christ actually destroy this wall of separation, this "dividing wall of hostility"? Ephesians 2:15 explains that Christ destroyed this barrier "by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands... Read More + |
Tear Down This Wall!
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On June 12, 1987, Ronald Reagan, the President of the United States, stood in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. In the speech he delivered to more than 40,000 Germans, the President challenged the leader of the Soviet Union, General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, to back up his commitment to freedom with tangible action. "Mr. Gorbachev,"... Read More + |
Christ Is Our Peace
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Ephesians 2:14 begins with a bold proclamation: "For he himself is our peace." In context, the "he" is Christ, whose blood brought the Gentiles near to God and God's people (2:13). The Greek of this verse underscores the identity of the one who is our peace, not just "he," but "he himself" (autos). What does it mean for Christ to be our peace? When we... Read More + |
God Is the Joy of My Joy
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Psalm 43 begins with a cry for divine justice: "Declare me innocent, O God!" (v. 1). The psalmist is being falsely accused by "ungodly people" who oppress him and discourage him (vv. 1, 5). He fears that God has tossed him aside (v. 2). He wonders why he must "wander around in grief" because of how his enemies are treating him (v. 2). In his... Read More + |
Thirsty for God
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Have you ever been really thirsty? I’m not thinking about ordinary thirst, the kind you can quench with a quick drink of water. Rather, I have in mind an aching, desperate thirst. Have you experienced anything like this? I did once, while on a hike in the San Gabriel mountains of Southern California. A few friends and I took off in the early morning.... Read More + |
A Favorite Story, Once Again
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When I was young, I loved superheroes. (Okay, I still do. I'll admit it.) I would sit entranced in front of my family's black and white Motorola television, watching the Adventures of Superman, starring George Reeves as the Man of Steel. During commercials, I'd leap up, wrap a towel around my neck, and "fly" around the house, "faster than a speeding... Read More + |
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May 15, 2013
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Daily Reflection From Laity Lodge
A Psalm for Leaders
The prologue to Psalm 45 identifies it as "A love song to be sung to the tune 'Lilies.' " The text of the psalm lavishly praises the human king of Israel and his royal bride on the occasion of their... Read More +














