Peace of Christ this Easter
After Jesus did all that he meant to do by dying on the cross, still he was not finished. However, the talk about rising from the dead had been lost on the disciples.* So early on that first day of the week, I find Mary Magdalene weeping* when she found Christ’s body missing, Peter and John who upon making the same discovery went home, and later all the disciples locked in a room that night because of fear. They were in serious need of peace. Kind of like me.
Lord, help us.
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
Eight days later, he came and said the same thing.* They needed that. They were glad.* Sometimes I need reminders too. How about you? Are we a little too far removed from that first Easter? Shameful. We don’t have the same excuse of not understanding… we have the whole story. We even know what’s going to happen… Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, WILL APPEAR A SECOND TIME, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.*
He is Risen. Nothing has changed since that first Easter morning… how could I possibly forget?!
“Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, Rejoice.
…The Lord is at hand.” Phil. 4:4,5
Lord Jesus, we are glad that you rose again. So glad.
Thank you for making peace.
We were lost without You,
By believing we have life in Your name.
Help me to always remember. And to rejoice!
We can’t wait to see You.
We eagerly await Your return.
*Cited in order: Jn. 20:9, v11, v26, v20, Heb. 9:28
Sixty-six books in a year 