19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyedwhen they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:19-21)
Thoughts: When people talk about Christ coming to them today- in a dream, in an answered prayer- they usually describe "an unusual sense of peace." When Christ comes to us- His goal is that we have peace with God, peace with others, peace with the Creation, and peace within. The Creator of all and the definer and author of goodness wishes us His Peace.
In our day many relish in strife. Many wish their political will to ride herd over others. The ultimate example of that is North Korea's threats.
Real peace is found in the presence of Christ and doing His will. There are many who seek peace by eliminating all desire. But desire is a part of life. Instead of eliminating it, we need to channel it- so that people are less hurt and more at peace with each other and with God. Instead of eliminating desire we should actually find real peace in desiring to do God's will. When we desire Him and desire His will, we find the fruit of the Spirit.
Many are scared of the unknown and the ultimate unknown- death. Jesus' words of peace at His resurrection are meant to reassure us that we do not need to be afraid but to find His peace in our hearts.
In our day many relish in strife. Many wish their political will to ride herd over others. The ultimate example of that is North Korea's threats.
Real peace is found in the presence of Christ and doing His will. There are many who seek peace by eliminating all desire. But desire is a part of life. Instead of eliminating it, we need to channel it- so that people are less hurt and more at peace with each other and with God. Instead of eliminating desire we should actually find real peace in desiring to do God's will. When we desire Him and desire His will, we find the fruit of the Spirit.
Many are scared of the unknown and the ultimate unknown- death. Jesus' words of peace at His resurrection are meant to reassure us that we do not need to be afraid but to find His peace in our hearts.
Prayer: May your peace erase my doubts, my fears, my tensions with others, and my restlessness within today, O Lord.
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