Knowing Your Identity in Christ: I am Reconciled To God (Ephesians 2:16)

What does it mean that Jesus is our peace?

On this episode of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents, host Christen Clark draws from Ephesians 2:16 to unpack the powerful truth of being reconciled to God. Christen shares deep inspiration for Christian living, reminding us that raising Christian kids means living out faith at home, modeling peace, and embracing spiritual growth as a family. Discover practical wisdom for family life and discipleship, plus encouragement for being intentional during busy times in your family life.

• [00:01:31] Biblical meaning of reconciliation
• [00:03:35] How parents can reflect Christ’s peace

Resources:

• Instagram: @7minutedevotions, @christenclark
• Family Podcast: @collidekidspodcast

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hello and welcome to 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. I'm Kristen Clark, and I am so glad you're here today. Whew, I don't know about you, but this month my family schedule has been so packed. So if you're like me, juggling a very full schedule, getting kids ready, taking them places, driving everywhere, working, or just trying to find a quiet moment in a busy day, this space is for you. Because sometimes we don't need more information. We just need a moment to remember what is true. So today's truth is both powerful and deeply personal. Today we're talking about Ephesians 2.16, which reminds us I am reconciled to God. So in verse 14, it says, For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose, this is Christ, Christ's purpose was to create himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace. And here's verse 16, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. It says Christ came to reconcile both of them to God through the cross. That word reconcile means to restore a broken relationship, to bring back together what was once separated, to make peace where there was conflict. Because of sin, our relationship with God was broken. There was distance, separation, there was hostility, as verse said. But through the cross, Jesus didn't just fix the problem, he restored the relationship. He brought us back to God. And not only that, Paul also shows us this reconciliation is both vertical and horizontal. Yes, we are reconciled to God, but we are also reconciled to each other. Remember, earlier in the chapter, Paul says something incredible. Christ himself is our peace. It's not that he gives peace, it's not that he brings peace. He is peace. That peace isn't just something we receive, it's something we're connected to. And that becomes even more meaningful when we think about the life of Jesus. In just a few weeks, we're going to celebrate Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. That wasn't random. It was actually very symbolic. A king riding on a donkey was a sign of peace, not war, not conquest. So Jesus was declaring, I have come to bring peace. I am peace, but not the kind of peace the people there were expecting, not political peace or just something temporary. Jesus was offering peace between God and man, peace within the human heart, peace between people. And this has always been his plan. In John 17, Jesus prays for us. Think about that for a moment. That before the cross, Jesus prayed for you and me. And what did he pray? He prayed that we would be one, that we would be unified, connected, reconciled. That is the heart of Jesus. And now, because of the cross, that prayer is possible. We are no longer at odds with God. We are reconciled. If Christ is our peace and we are reconciled to God, that should really shape the way that we live. And remember, our kids are watching us. They're learning what peace looks like from us. In a world that's constantly pulling conflict and division and argument, we have the opportunity to model something different. We can teach our children that it's okay to disagree and still show kindness. It's okay to hold on to the truth that you believe and still lead with grace. And it's okay to have differences and still pursue peace. Being a peacemaker doesn't mean we ignore truth. It means we carry the truth with love and we work hard to make that relationship reconciled. It means that we reflect the character of Christ and how we respond to others. And as we live this out, we also get to invite others into reconciliation with God. We share the gospel by telling our story of what God has done for us, and we point people to Jesus, who is peace. I'll say them through once and then repeat the identity statement at the end. And then hopefully you can carry that with you this week. So our identity statement for today is I am reconciled to God. Through the cross of Christ, my broken relationship with God has been restored. And I have been brought into peace with Him. Because I'm reconciled to God, I pursue peace in my relationships and reflect Christ's love in how I treat others. Let's say the identity statement one more time together. Ready? I am reconciled to God. Let's pray. God, thank you so much for reconciling us to yourself through Jesus. Thank you for restoring us and restoring what was broken and bringing us into peace with you. God, we pray that you would help us to live as peacemakers. Teach us how to reflect your heart in our relationships and the way we respond to others and the way we treat each other and our family and our time and the way that we connect with other people that we don't know or we don't agree with. And God, give us the courage to share the gospel with someone this week. Maybe there's someone that comes to mind that we know we need to reach out to. God, give us that courage and the words to say so that we can bring them into that same reconciliation. In Jesus' name, amen. Well, friends, you are not living in separation or conflict with God. Because of Jesus, you are living in peace. And that peace was purchased for you through the cross. If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to ask the Lord who you could share it with? Maybe someone else who needs a reminder of the peace that Jesus brings, someone who needs reconciliation. Sometimes we don't always have the words to say, but we can let a podcast say it for us. Also, quick reminder: if you are looking for something your whole family can listen to together, check out the Collide Kids Podcast, my other show. It's a kid safe, engaging, and full of practical faith conversations that both you and your kids will enjoy together. Well, until next time, remember who you are and who you belong to.