In a lesson about Jeremiah and the potter (Jeremiah 18:1-10) I was taught that potters will take pieces of broken pottery and mix them in new clay. The potter takes two substances that are normally separated and brings them together to be a new creation, the two parts blending into one substance. The broken bits give strength to what is made.
In the same way, Jesus, through his brokenness that brings reconciliation, gives us strength and peace. Paul presents the idea quite clearly. How have we been brought near to God? Who is our peace? What has Jesus done? What was the purpose of this?
Although primarily directed at the Gentiles who now believe in Jesus, this is a summing up of the Gospel message for all believers. Jesus came to remove that barrier of sin that separates us from God. Through his sacrifice he brings us together with him so that we are all made one – one body, the body of Christ. All believers are then made into part of the body of Christ.
Like the clay, Jesus becomes part of who we are. We are given strength. We are made into a new creation, a better creation. Clay by itself will not have the strength and integrity of clay mixed with broken pieces of pottery.
A good potter will not keep the clay and the pottery separate. The barrier will be removed and the two will be made into one. The broken parts will give strength to the clay.
We are no longer separated from Jesus or from God, the Father. Nor are we separated from others. We are not separated from our hope of eternal life.
As we are part of the body of Christ, one with Jesus, then Jesus is within us. And his presence in us is a source of peace for us. We can be at peace knowing we are at one with the Savior.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to remind yourself that you are one with Jesus?
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