Peace of mind and heart is a gift the world can not give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John14:27 [Sunrise photo April 19 2013]

Peace of mind and heart is a gift the world can not give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John14:27 [Sunrise photo April 19 2013]

Day 19 Peace Be With You

While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. Luke 24:36-37.

Luke 24: 36-49 describes one of the twelve Jesus resurrection appearances. This passage is rich with insights, take a moment to read it when you have a chance.  We’ll focus on just one aspect today and more next time.

Disoriented

Imagine the scene that Sunday evening and the disciples state of mind. All eleven disciples were gathered together, trying to figure what was going on.

Their leader had been an exceptional human being, a man unlike any they had ever encountered. His example, his embodiment of love, his holy presence, his miraculous power -  had completely and thoroughly wrecked their lives.

His brutal and bloody execution was still vivid in their consciousness. How was it possible?

Now it seems he had – what, come back from the dead? How was that possible?  They couldn’t believe it.

They were utterly disoriented. They had to process this together. Confusion and disbelief were mixed with hopeful expectation. But there was no clarity about what was happening.

Then Jesus interrupts their meeting in the middle of the conversation.

Party crasher

All of a sudden, out of nowhere,  Jesus – the ultimate party crasher, just appears from behind locked doors.

Maybe it looked like a scene from the old Star Trek show, like  he was being transported  from the Starship Enterprise. “Scotty, beam me down. Energize”

His appearance had the element of surprise which “startled and frightened them.”

Surprise!

I don’t know abut you, but when I am startled, my heart skips a beat, I gasp and do a little leap in the air. All in an instant.

This scene has played out more than a few times in our kitchen.

I’ll be deep in concentration making my morning coffee, and thinking about, well, worship dude stuff. Our daughter Faith will innocently sneak walk  into the room, but I don’t see her.

My mind is somewhere else (this is my usual state of mind, just ask my wife). When I turn around and suddenly see Faith there, I jump out of my skin – “startled” and maybe a little bit frightened. “Sheesh, you scared me!”

Does something like this ever happen to you?

I didn’t think so. Back to our devotional …

It’s gonna be OK

The disciples were understandably freaking  out. This is the first thing Jesus addresses.

Shalom Alechem (שלום עליכם)

“Peace be with you”.  It was a traditional greeting of their culture, but now it has a new meaning.

The Prince of Peace was there to give them the gift of peace.  Yes, peace for that moment, but even more so, eternally in every aspect of their lives

“You had me at hello” – from Jerry McGuire

Jesus knew the chaos and turmoil that was to come for them, for you and for me. The first blessing of his resurrected presence is proof of “Peace”.

Right now, in every circumstance, Jesus offers us lasting peace that is beyond understanding.

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

The peace of the Lord be with you today!

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me today, from the Book of Common Prayer:

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

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