The Apostle Paul, the "Hebrew of the Hebrews," was called to "preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Philippians 3:5; Ephesians 3:8). When we consider the virulent animosity between Jew and Gentile that existed in the days of the New Testament, it becomes evident that only God would have called such a man to give himself so completely for such a people.
"He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace" (Ephesians 2:14-15).
Far more amazing, and the prototype of the Lord Jesus bringing peace between believing Jew and Gentile, is the wonder that somehow God and man find loving union in Christ. "He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit" (I Corinthians 6:17). Somehow the Divine and the human were perfectly united in our Savior, and "God was manifest in the flesh" (I Timothy 3:16). "Great is the mystery" declared Paul, and perhaps just as great - or even more - is the mystery that the salvation of the Lord Jesus constitutes a "new man" in all who believe, a spiritual being literally united with the Spirit of God Himself (II Corinthians 5:17). The born again believer is an actual temple of God wherein the Infinite and the finite find not only peaceful co-existence, but also the loving and joyful marriage of Spirit with spirit wherein God forever remains God, we forever remain ourselves, and the Lord Jesus is forever glorified because He has accomplished the miracle of all miracles. Former rebels become the sons and daughters of God. Creatures of time are immersed in the Timeless. And the Lord Jesus who was "made flesh" reconstitutes fleshly creatures into beings who are spiritual in the essence of our nature. "Ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Romans 8:9). Only the God who is man, and the man who is God could have accomplished such a wonder, and the Father has given Him a "name which is above every name" as the blessed result (Philippians 2:9). The redeemed also give their Lord the same title, and thus God and man unite forevermore to exalt the crucified and resurrected Peacemaker who has brought them together.
"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
(Psalm 85:10)
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