What word do you most associate with Easter? Joy? Forgiveness? Life?
How about peace?
Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you”. -John 20:21
It’s interesting to note that on the first Easter evening, Jesus appears to his disciples and the first thing he tells them is: “Peace be with you.” This message is so important he repeats it. Instead of explaining his miraculous resurrection, he simply wishes them peace.
That may be a message we need to hear this Easter. After weeks of special services, activities, preparations and planning, our stress levels may have depleted our capacity for peace. And with just a few days remaining we may have additional feelings of anxiety as we check and double check the details for this Sunday.
For the disciples, the outcome of Jesus’ message, and seeing his physical presence, caused them to be “overjoyed.” They experienced peace.
Before Sunday, take a deep breath and read John 20:19-23. Ask yourself:
- What message would Jesus want to tell me this Easter?
- How can I allow God’s peace to fill me this week?
- Who in my life needs God’s peace and what can I do to make that happen?
May the peace of God fill you this Easter in a fresh new way!
