2022 – God’s Peace

John 20:19 NASB
“Now when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were together due to fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” Emphasis is mine.

John 20:26 NASB
“Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” Emphasis is mine.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus, in some of His post-resurrection appearances, chose the words “Peace be to you” as His initial greetings to His beloved disciples? I’m thinking it is because Jesus Himself is our peace and He wanted us to grasp the reality of that realization.

I haven’t got a clue what 2022 holds for us. I could let my mind wander but I really don’t want to go there. Not because of what I think might happen, either good or not so good, from the world’s perspective, but rather because I don’t want what may happen, to be the focus of my being. 

In John 14:27, prior to His crucification, Jesus said the following to His disciples:
“Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”

“. . . My peace I give you. . .” The peace that Jesus has and is, He gives to us. And what is that “peace” that Jesus gives us suppose to accomplish? Jesus tells us. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” Emphasis is mine.

The reality is that what happens in this world is not supposed to trouble our hearts nor make us fearful and the resurrected Jesus Himself is proof of that reality. And then there is that “not as the world gives” aspect that Jesus drew our attention to. The peace that the world gives is not true peace because it just never lasts. There are promises of peace that do not materialize and statements of peace that are eventually broken. But the peace that Jesus gives us is everlasting because Jesus Himself is everlasting and  . . . because He lives, we shall also live. Therein lies our peace and the rationale why we should not let our hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

I have but one prayer for all of my brothers and sister in Christ, including myself. That this coming New Year we shall all see the bountiful grace of God manifested in us, resulting in glory being given to our heavenly Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!