Peace to You!
Good Morning My Loves, For the past few days I’ve been meditating on the “peace” that Jesus promised to us through relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we look at our world today with the increase of terror threats, mass killings, and rumors of wars, I see a generation that needs the “peace of God” more than ever. Prior to His death Jesus assured the disciples that he would be back. He told them he would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit (the Comforter, Consoler) to be “with” and “in” them.
He said, “Peace I leave with you; My perfect peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge. (John 14:27) I highlighted the word “let,” because it is a personal choice to allow God’s peace to fill our hearts. We are the gatekeepers and guardians of our own soul, and we do not have to “let” what we hear and see on a daily basis cause us to be overcome with fear and dread!
After witnessing their Lord’s horrific death and burial, we know that the disciples were not experiencing that “perfect peace.” The Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out upon them, and they had not experienced their RESURRECTED SAVIOR! We find them locked behind barred doors in fear, when Jesus moved beyond their walls and right into their meeting! The first thing He says to them is, “Peace to you!” John 20:19-22 (AMP)
19 So when it was evening on that same day, the first day of the week, though the disciples were [meeting] behind barred doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” 20 After He said this, He showed them His hands and His side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with great joy. 21 Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].” 22 And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
The word “peace” in these passages is the Greek word “eirene” (i-ray-nay) and it is packed with divine revelation! It means:
a state of national tranquillity, exemption from the rage and havoc of war
peace between individuals, harmony, concord
security, safety, prosperity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
the Messiah’s peace, the way that leads to peace (salvation)
the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing NOTHING from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is
the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
My beloved, this word is more than “relax” and “chill out.” It means “the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.” It’s only when we die to our flesh and it’s emotional instability, and walk in the Spirit, that we can truly demonstrate the “peace (eirene, i-ray-ney) of God!” We serve a RESURRECTED SAVIOR who stands among us! He moves past our limitations, fear and confusion, and offers us something way beyond a feeling of calm. He invites us to “die to ourselves,” and move beyond our “what about me” concerns, and become His representatives by the power of the Holy Spirit!
This is our time to have life altering Kingdom impact on the earth! -We've been reconciled to God by His shed blood on the cross.
-We are completely loved, comforted, consoled, counseled, helped, prayed for, defended, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16)
-His “peace” is our secret weapon to break out of the fear and confusion that has limited us in the past, and rise up as His representatives and show this world the love that they so desperately need.
-It’s time for the glorious church of Jesus Christ to stop hiding behind barred doors in fear, talking about what’s been done to us, and get out there and begin to talk about what’s been done FOR US!
There’s a world out there that needs the salvation, security, safety, prosperity, and peace, that Jesus has given us. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to breathe upon us today, and then get out there and show someone the way! I love you all! PV
