June 18, 2018 - - John 20:21-22 When peace is elusive

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

John 20:21-22 ESV

One does not need peace unless he is going through great trials and battles. One doesn't appreciate peace until the absence of peace results in a mind that is racing and a heart that is stretched to the point of breaking. One cannot receive peace unless the Father and His Son, Jesus, pours out the Spirit of Peace on him.

The peace of Jesus Christ is this: all things, every single trial, pain, grief, battle, loss, brokenness has been redeemed by His cross. Now Jesus shows to our Father in heaven His hands, His feet and His side and these are intercession enough so that those who are in Christ will be sustained and kept in the Father's care until we see our King face to face.

We have peace now not because our battles are done, but because Christ's victory is already won and no matter what we face, He has got this.

Jesus, Captain of our Salvation, in the raging battles, when peace is so elusive, help us to fix our eyes on You so that we will be assured again and again You have sealed Your Spirit within us, Your victory banner is waving over us and we are secure in the Father's love. Our Father's love for us rests on us and does not depend on whether or not we feel it. The Scripture assures us of His love in Christ. So Jesus, receive the reward of Your victory, by Your Spirit lead many sons and daughter through the fierce cacophony of battle into Your peace. Amen.