Devotional - April 23, 2025
Scripture: John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Over the course of what we call the Passion week, Jesus enters into many places. He enters Jerusalem as the King He is (Luke 19:35-37, Mt 21:10. He enters the Temple (Mark 11:11). He enters the place of the Sanhedrin and palace of Pilot (John 18:28). He enters the grave and the land of the spirits (1 Peter 3: 18-20). And, today He enters into the place the disciples are hiding. Each place He goes, he is received differently. Not because He is any different, but because of how He is received. How He is portrayed by those receiving Him. It is easy to assume that you have no misgivings about who Jesus is and that You have a perfect understanding of who Jesus is in Your life. You understand and welcome Jesus fully into Your life. Many assume this, and it is not surprising, nor should you be ashamed of it. We go through Sunday school, then some attend Bible Study from time to time, and we do our own studies. We know what the Bible says about Jesus, ...or enough of it to know who Jesus is, right? I am not going to answer that for you, because only God knows where you are in your Christian walk. But I trust, if you are seeking God enough to spend your time reading devotionals like this one, praying, and studying the Bible, you are receiving from Christ each day (Mt 6:11). And as you are coming to know Him more and more, you can recognize Him when He enters into Your situation (John 10: 27-28). Yes, the Lord is with you always (Mt 28:20), but we do not always notice God until we become consciously aware of God. But there are times, we do not discern the voice of God from our own or even that which is evil. Today, Jesus enters in and says, "Peace be with you." In this instance the word peace is not shalom. The word Jesus speaks is what we commonly understand as peace. The root meaning of the word means to join. Jesus tells them in a sense, "I am here now, with you, so you can calm down and not be afraid. You can have peace because I am here." In the next verse He shows them his hands and side, as so to say, it's really Me. You are okay now. God seeks to do this in our lives as well. Do we receive it? Or, does Jesus get in the way of our plans, our vision for life, or we think things should be. Does Jesus enter in and not even find us in a place to receive Him, or even in rebellion. The disciples were terrified, confused, and trying to decide what to do next, but their hearts were still right with God. When they gathered that day, I am sure they prayed. When Jesus entered, as startled as they were, they received Him. Their hearts were in the right place so they could respond to His words of peace. May yours be the same. God is where you are, with you, let's your hearts not be troubled or dismayed.
Pray with me .., Holy God, I know You are here with me. Your guidance and presence lead me through all that life brings. Continue to teach me by way of Your Spirit. Hear me as I pray for those who are near and dear to me..., bless them I pray and bless our church so we can be the people you want us to be, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
