“Peace be with you.”
Perhaps the reason my pen tends toward peace is its absence. Worry, anxiety, and unrest often rule our troubled hearts.
This is understandable. There is plenty of wood for this fire:
Uncertainty — of political integrity, of physical aches and pains, of what the financial roller coaster’s next turn will mean.
Inability — to guarantee a child’s future, the outcome of a decision, what others think, the length of my days, or the power of my words.
Loyalty — will they show up, speak up, shut up, keep their promise, do their job? Can I count on him, on her, on them?
Bigotry — will this intolerance for difference never stop? I am thinking of racial unrest, so ugly and yet so pervasive. But I am also thinking of the way the word itself is carelessly tossed about. Today, I am not allowed an opposing opinion, for if my belief differs from yours, I am tagged a bigot. What has happened to discourse?
Yes, there is plenty of kindling to fuel the fires of worry, anxiety, and unrest. So when one comes wishing me a breezy, “Peace be with you” I am grateful, but suspect.
To wish peace, even to pray for peace, is not to guarantee peace. Unless the one “wishing” it is Jesus.
John reminds me that on the evening of resurrection Sunday, Jesus showed up unannounced, uninvited, and unexpected. Eight days later he popped in on the disciples once again. Same deal. No one invited him to the party. Shazam! He just appeared.
John is careful to note three things:
The doors were locked.
They were afraid.
Jesus spoke four words.
“Peace be with you.”
I am grateful for the one who wishes me peace, and especially for those who pray for peace and work for peace, but I worship Jesus because he guarantees peace.
How do I know?
“Look at my hands and side,” he said. “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side,” he said.
What is Jesus doing?
He is demonstrating the power behind those four words. When the One wishing me peace has overcome sin and death and the grave, I have good reason to rest at ease.
Yes, life is difficult. Yes, life is uncertain. Yes, worry abounds. But Jesus reigns!
When I read this passage the other day, I wrote these words in my journal:
“Anyone can wish peace, but when the one ‘wishing’ it has just appeared among you despite YOU being secluded behind locked doors . . . and then gives evidence of rising from the dead — I have very good reason to “be at peace,” for I am living in the sphere and by the power of His peace.”
Today, breathe that pleasant sigh of relief. The One who rose from the dead is the one who says, “Peace be with you.” He’s got this. He’s got you.
“Peace be with you.”