Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Peace Be With You (John 20:19-23)


Today's scripture: John 20:19-23

It's now Sunday evening. John and Peter have seen the empty grave; Mary Magdalene has even spoken to Jesus. The disciples have proof that Jesus did exactly what He said He'd do.

Yet what are they doing? They're hiding away "for fear of the Jews." In fact, they've been running scared since Jesus was arrested. As Matthew wrote, "Then all the disciples left Him and fled" (26:56, emphasis mine). Then, in what must have been the most amazing moment of their lives, Jesus comes in.

"Peace be with you ..."

The disciples hadn't felt any peace for three days. None. I'm sure they wondered what would happen next. They are certainly in fear for their lives.

All it takes is four short words from the Master. "Peace be with you ..." Suddenly, the fear is gone, and the rejoicing begins. Jesus is alive!

I wrote a book a few years back, and one chapter focused on the word peace:

Peace . . . what a wonderful word. Peace . . . what a wonderful feeling. As you’re reading these words, do you feel peace? Or are you reading this at the end of a stressful day? Perhaps you’re going through some crisis—you’re struggling with your health, with your finances, with your relationships. You feel nothing even close to peace.  
Maybe you’ve bought into what the world defines as peace: having the stuff, having the home, having the hot-shot career. Maybe you’ve married that person you thought would bring you peace, but now you’d just like him to leave you in peace. You’ve done it all. You’ve tried it all. And yet, as you read these words, your heart is tight with tension.  
So, now what? I know what you’re thinking: If this life I’m living is a plan of peace, somebody read the wrong dictionary. This is not peace ... What I’ve discovered is that I don’t have peace—never had, never will—when I’m trying to take control of my life ... I promise you this: If you’re truly willing to give your life, your plans, your dreams to God, He will keep His promise. You will have peace. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but if you trust Him, you will have peace. (© Sauni Rinehart, 2005)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and when we are in relationship with Him, He will fill our hearts with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

Listen to His words, "Peace be with you ..." He speaks them to you as well.

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