“Peace be with you.”
Jesus said those exact words at least three times in John 20.
The other night during our small group study a random thought popped into my head: Do you suppose He really meant it?
What if He was serious? What if He really intended for us be at peace?
It’s a fair question, if only because so many of Jesus’ most visible, dedicated, vocal followers seem dedicated to anything but a peaceful life. Observers could be excused for concluding that following Jesus involves a good deal of anger, strife, and fighting with “the other side.” (Don’t believe me…take a look at what passes for political “discourse” as the election approaches.)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
What if He cares more about the peace in my heart than what I accomplish or who I impress or how many Facebook friends I have?
What if He doesn’t care who gets elected, but He cares enough to die for the person I’m sure is going to ruin the nation? And what if He wants me to let go of the nasty, judgmental attitude that hardens my heart?
“Peace be with you.”
Do you suppose He expected us to actually live it?
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