Jesus Broke the Barrier

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14 NIV

In a story titled “Beatrice Chebet Goes Sub-14 and Takes Down the 5K World Record” published by Runner’s World over the weekend, it was reported that Chebet averaged just under 4:30 mile pace to break the world record by two seconds… In addition to becoming the first woman to run under 14:00 on the track, Chebet has also broken the barrier on the roads. On New Year’s Eve in 2024, she ran 13:54 at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona, Spain. Chebet’s resume is one of the most impressive in track and field. At the Paris Olympics last summer, she won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, and she also owns the world record in the 10,000 meters, 28:54.14, which she set at Prefontaine last May. Wow right? 

And, you know, when it comes to breaking barriers, the Bible tell us that Jesus broke down “the dividing wall of hostility” between the Jews and the Gentiles by His outpouring of blood on the cross, thereby making “the two groups one.” You see, Jesus doesn’t simply give us peace but Jesus is our peace. Which means the work of Jesus on the cross “destroyed the barrier” between Jew and Gentile and set them on common ground as equals, at peace with God. Hence the reason Paul wrote “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

So, knowing that Jesus “destroyed the barrier” among believers, don’t put any walls back up my friend. Regardless of race, gender, or social standing, we are all one in the body of Christ and must treat one another that way if we are to model Jesus’ example of peace to the world. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that believers are one in the body of Christ. In light of that Lord, help us to not make any distinctions or divisions among us that we might be seen as a unified family, connected by our love of You. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!