Scripture: John
20: 19-31
Jesus appeared in the midst of disciples who were scared and
filled with anxiety to bring peace.
In the midst of your anxiety do you notice that Jesus stands
there saying “peace be with you”? And Jesus showed the disciples his hands and
side. Not only does he offer them evidence, it is the evidence of painful
sacrifice. Jesus, as he offers them peace, directly associates that peace with
his sacrificial work for them. A lot like saying…” I have done it, I have paid
the price, it is settled, you are completely and totally atoned for, and free.
Now that is peace.
“ And with
that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
My goodness, isn’t that a little like Genesis, chapter 2…
“7 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Many folk, raised in the church, cannot state a
specific time of accepting Jesus. It was more of a natural development of
relationship.
Still, even
if you were raised in the church, you have to make the call for yourself at
some point. But my emphasis today is… we
become new, spiritual creatures by the breath of God…Jesus. And the stuff of
that new, spiritual life is the Holy Spirit.
Allow the Holy Spirit to calm you and to motivate you
toward a deeper relationship with Christ.
Lord, bring us peace today. Bring personal peace, family
peace, community peace, and national peace. Amen
