MISSION OF PEACE

That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said. As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his side. They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." ??“ John 20:19-21 (NLT)

            How many times is fear turned to joy when we recognize the presence of Jesus Christ? Cowering behind closed doors, the disciples didn??™t know what their next move should be. It is interesting to note that their fear was not of Roman soldiers, but of their own religious leaders.

            When Jesus miraculously appeared through locked doors and spoke a blessing of peace to His followers, the presence of fear was instantly removed. The proof of nail prints in His hands, and the scar made by a spear in His side, was evidence enough that Jesus had, indeed, risen from the dead! 

            Jesus??™ mission of peace was transferred to His disciples then, and in turn, to His disciples now. His peace is now our peace, and it is ours to share with those we come into contact with. The mission of the Christ was designed to continue through each of us as individuals, and corporately, through His church.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Lord, I accept Your mission of peace and promise to proclaim the message You have given me until my days on earth are over.