Peace

May 16, 2020
Today’s devotion based on John 20:19, “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

“Peace be with you!” What comforting words those must have been for the tortured and guilt-ridden disciples. They had forsaken Jesus at his crucifixion. They were meeting secretly behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. The women had told them they saw Jesus and that he was alive. Yet they did not believe. Their confusion and doubt robbed them of peace.
And then Jesus miraculously appeared to them! He showed them his wounds. He revealed that he had conquered death and was alive to tell about it. And one word summed it all up: peace.

Jesus’ peace is not just a friendly greeting. It is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. It is the pronouncement that God’s just anger over sin is appeased by Jesus’ holy blood. All is well between God and man. This condition of peace stands forever. Our feelings may fluctuate because we forget about God’s peace. But the Word and promises of God never do.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus to us. His death on my behalf gives me hope and joy, knowing that my sins are forgiven and that there is now peace between you and I. Keep me close to you so that I can have peace as I live my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.