Us vs. Them

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As the story of God plays out in the Old Testament, one discovers that there wasn’t anything special about Abraham, his children, or the people of Israel that God would choose them to fulfill His ultimate purpose. Yes, God did choose to work through them. Not because they did anything specific to deserve God’s grace and mercy, but because of His grace.

Yet as time went on the people of Israel began to elevate themselves above others. One could even argue that they lived with an “Us vs. Them” mindset. They may have thought things like, “We, the people of God are good – but those people are not good. We, the people of God are insiders – but those people are outsiders.” 

But Jesus did not live and minister with an “Us vs. Them” mentality. In fact, Jesus came to destroy the power of sin, the power of death, and also the barriers that separated Jews and Gentiles. 

Ephesians 2:14 reads, For Christ …has united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

READING & PRAYERS:

     EPHESIANS 2:11-18, GALATIANS 3:28 (also read the commentary notes in your study bible of choice)

When Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in the city of Ephesus there were two groups of people. Those who were Jewish thought they were more righteous because of their heritage. Those who were Greek thought they were more righteous because of their wealth, power, and influence in the world. 

What are some ways today in which people in our culture build up walls of hostility between groups of people instead of tearing them down? 

Would others see you as somebody who builds up walls of hostility between two or more groups of people, or one who tears them down? 

PRAYER: Today, write out your own prayer to God.

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