The Wall and the Orchestra
Passage: Ephesians 2:13-22, Revelation 7:9-12
QUICK RECAP
Today, in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we dove into the heart of reconciliation. This is a theme that's not just central to our faith, but crucial for our world right now. We talked about two powerful images that help get to the heart of reconciliation: the wall and the orchestra.
First, walls. Walls get between us. Visible or invisible, many are built using bricks of prejudice, fear, and historical trauma. But here's the thing - Jesus is in the business of tearing down these walls. “He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance” Paul says. He's already done the heavy lifting. Now it's our turn - to continue his wall-demolition work and show others how good life can be when walls come down.
Then we shifted gears to the orchestra. Imagine us all playing our unique instruments, each representing our diverse backgrounds and experiences. At first, it might sound chaotic, but with Jesus as our conductor, we can create a beautiful symphony: unity in diversity.
It’s God who is the only one who can get us all working, playing, living well together. It's about joining a cosmic concert, worshipping the One who made it all possible. We're in rehearsal for the grand performance John saw in Revelation - every nation, tribe, and tongue united before God's throne. Just imagine!
So here's a wall and orchestra challenge for you this week: Do you have a wall that keeps you from others? The wall might be there for good reasons - but know that dividing walls will never bring peace. So why not ask Jesus to help you name the wall and then ask for his help to bring that wall down?
Or remember the Orchestra! Who's someone in your life playing a different 'instrument' than you? Maybe someone who you’ve never found it easy to play with. If you think of someone, why not try and make time to appreciate their 'music' and listen to their story? If you do, ask for Jesus to help you. You might be surprised what you discover.
Questions for further study and reflection
Ephesians speaks of Christ tearing down the dividing wall of hostility. What "walls" do you recognize in your own life or community that might be separating you from others? How can you actively participate in breaking these down?
Paul writes in Colossians 3:11 that in Christ, there is no distinction between various groups. How can you challenge your own biases and preconceptions to see others as equal in Christ, regardless of their background?
The sermon mentions the image of an orchestra conducted by Jesus. What unique "instrument" or perspective do you bring to your community's "symphony"? How can you use this to contribute to reconciliation efforts?
Revelation describes a diverse multitude worshipping before God's throne. How can you celebrate the diversity around you while also fostering unity in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles?
The sermon challenges us to listen to someone's "music" or story. Who is someone in your life from a different cultural background that you could reach out to this week? How might listening to their story help in the process of reconciliation?
