We are reminded of the time that Joshua "fit the battle of Jericho, and the walls came a-tumblin' down". It was a mighty act of God that brought down those walls and gave the Hebrew children access to the Promised Land. But, like all people before and since, they forgot who brought down the wall and they erected new walls.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul spoke of a great wall that separated the outer courtyard of the Temple from the Temple proper. The Gentiles of that day were not allowed to go further into the temple than this outer courtyard. Just inside the Gentile court was the Court of the Women. Incidentally, the women were prohibited from going into the area where the Jewish men worshipped. The wall between the Gentile court and the temple proper was like a marble grating with signs that prohibited the entrance of Gentiles. One of these signs has actually been discovered. It reads as follows: "Let no one of any other nation come within this fence and barrier around this holy place. Whosoever will be taken doing so will himself be responsible for the fact that his death will ensue." Now, you don't think they actually followed through with this do you?

Paul knew that barrier well. His 'crime' was that he brought a Gentile named Trophimus into the temple beyond the barrier. This charge led to his arrest and eventual death. How is such a barrier surmounted? Paul says that it is Christ who made both Jew and Gentile into one; who broke down the middle barrier of partition which prevented the Gentiles from access to the Holy One. How did he accomplish this feat? Paul says he did this by preaching peace to those who are afar off (the gentiles) and those who are near (the Jews). Christ became the ultimate peacemaker.

We are quick to criticize the ancient Jews who prevented the salvation of the Gentiles just to keep their sanctuary pure. Thank goodness, we don't keep others out of our sanctuaries with artificial walls. Or do we? When one considers all the controversies with which the various denominations are struggling, don't most of them involve acceptance of people with whom we differ? You know the list; acceptance of women as pastors, full fellowship for homosexuals, differing views on abortion, positions on evolution vs. creationism. These are all walls erected to protect our own turf.

Let me share a story with you. In France, during World War II, some soldiers brought a comrade to a French cemetery to be buried. The priest told them gently that he was bound to ask if the young man had ever been baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. They replied that they did not know. The priest said that he was very sorry, but in that case he could not allow the young soldier to be buried in his churchyard. So the soldiers took his body and buried him just outside the fence.

The next day they came back to see if the grave was left undisturbed and discovered to their amazement that they could not find the freshly dug grave. As they were about to leave in bewilderment, the priest came up to them. He told them that his heart had been troubled because of his refusal to allow their young comrade to be buried in his cemetery. So early in the morning, he arose from his sleepless bed and, with his own hands, moved the fence to include the body of the soldier who had died for France. That is what love can do. The rules and regulations put up the fence, but love moved it.

I would like you to imagine the type of person you would least like to break bread with at the next Holy Communion. Now you found a wall that needs to come down. You say, "That wall is too strong." Well, Christ has already started swinging the wrecking ball to bring it down. All you need do is get out of the way. Christ is ready and waiting to tear down our own private walls of hate and prejudice. He still brings his peace to those who are near and to those who are afar off.

The walls must come down, for Christ uses the stones from these very walls to build the foundations of his Church. By committing the ultimate act of love; by dying for those who are near and those who are afar off, he became the chief cornerstone for this new edifice (his church), and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In 1993, I wrote a hymn based on Ephesians 2:13-22. That text is also the basis of the previous essay. Biblical Scholars refer to this portion of scripture as a Christ Hymn. The tune playing in the background is based on "O WALY WALY," an Old English hymn tune.

No More Walls

Aliens we were; Christ took us in.
He gave his life, took on our sin.
Joint heirs with Christ, he brought us near.
No more displaced, we're free from fear.

Peace is proclaimed both near and far; 
Without, within by Spirit's power.
Christ made us one that we may know
Your sweet Shalom while here below.

Joined unto Christ the Cornerstone;
A dwelling God can call his own.
Foundation laid by saints before;
This Church shall stand forever more.

Hymn text and harmony by Jay D Weaver 
Copyright (c) 1993 by Jay D Weaver
Hymn tune is O Waly Waly, an Old English Hymn tune.
Text is based on Ephesians 2:13-22, a Christ Hymn