
In Luke 24:33-36, the Bible says, “And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them,"Peace be unto you.”
Jesus said to His disciples after rising on the third day, "Peace be unto you." I don't believe I ever truly understood the concept of "Peace be unto you," until I reread this story offered in both books of Luke and John. When we read this story, we find the disciples talking about Jesus and the things He told them during His time with them, pretty much the same way friends sit around today, speaking about someone they loved, after the person has passed away.
As they were speaking, Jesus stood in the midst of them listening. When He made His presence known, He said, "Peace be unto you." Customarily, people in this region of the world still greet each other today with this statement; however, He could have said a lot of things, why that statement?
Think about peace for a moment. Not world peace, although that would be great, considering there are about 50+ wars occurring at any given time on our planet; but, inner peace—peace of mind. The feeling you get when your mind is completely at ease. For some of us, our mind is always in turmoil, no peace. For others, peace means being in the midst of another person, relying on their peace to get us through. However, the peace I am referring to is an individual peace. The kind you find when you close your eyes, and literally stop thinking about all the cares, troubles, and chaos of this world, allowing yourself the time to actually breathe in the Love of God.
So today, in the midst of your chaotic life, take some time, even if it's only a few moments, to practice the art of peace. The kind of peace where you relinquish every single, solitary, mind-wrenching care to God. And, as Jesus said, “Peace be unto you.” L.
Study Reference: John 20:19-26
From:"The Blessing of Peace." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions for Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
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