Embracing the Peace of Christ: A Devotional on John 20:21
Have you ever been overwhelmed by a sense of peace in the midst of chaos? Picture this: it’s a late afternoon, and outside your window, a storm is brewing. The sky is dark, and the wind is howling. Yet inside, with a cup of tea in hand, there’s a serene calm that envelops you, reassuring you that all will be well. This is the kind of peace that Jesus offers to His disciples in John 20:21.
"h2>The Commission of Peace
In John 20:21, we find a profound moment: "Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’" These words were spoken after Jesus’ resurrection when He appeared to the disciples, who were gathered behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain about their future.
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Peace as a Gift: Jesus’ greeting, "Peace be with you," was not merely a casual salutation. It was an impartation, a gift of divine peace that transcends human understanding and circumstance. This same peace is available to us today amidst our fears and uncertainties.
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Sent with Purpose: Jesus commissions His disciples, connecting their mission to the very mission God sent Him to fulfill. This profound sending aligns us with a purpose far greater than ourselves, allowing us to partake in God’s grand narrative of redemption and reconciliation.
Living Out the Peace and Purpose
When we reflect on these words, they invite us to consider how we, too, are sent by Jesus with peace and purpose. But what does living this out look like in our everyday lives?
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Embrace Peace: To truly embrace the peace Jesus offers, consider starting and ending your day with a moment of prayer or meditation. Allow His peace to fill your heart and mind, even when the storms of life are raging.
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Share Peace: As recipients of this divine peace, we’re called to share it with others. This can be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend in distress or bringing comfort to someone in need.
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Live Purposefully: Recognize that your daily actions, words, and decisions matter. Seek to align them with Jesus’ teachings, remembering that you are sent by Him to be a beacon of hope and light in the world.
Reflection and Encouragement
Take a moment to reflect on your own life:
- How can you cultivate more of Jesus’ peace amid your current circumstances?
- In what ways do you feel Jesus is sending you, and how are you responding to that call?
Remember, this journey is not about perfection but participation in a greater purpose. Each step you take in peace, each choice you make with purpose, contributes to the beauty of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Conclusion: Sharing the Peace
As we walk through our days, may the four words, "Peace be with you," resonate deeply within our hearts, guiding our actions and interactions. Let this peace propel you to live intentionally and purposefully, just as Jesus intended.
I invite you to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. How have you experienced the peace of Christ in your own life? What steps are you taking to fulfill the mission He has for you?
By engaging with each other, we grow and learn how to better embody and share the peace of Christ with the world. Let’s continue this journey together, embracing and celebrating the peace and purpose Jesus offers us all.
May your heart be filled with His peace today and always.
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