September 28th

This Changes Everything

Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, Peace to you.' But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, Why are you troubled?' Luke 24:36-38

What's troubling you? Perhaps it is the economy, the way the government is running the country, or all the turmoil in the Middle East. Maybe you've lost your job, or you don't like your job but are afraid to leave because you know how hard it might be to find a different one.

With all that is going on in the world that could potentially trouble you, you probably don't need me to give you a list of suggestions. Most of us can probably think of something right away on our own that makes us a little unsettled, and maybe even scares us.

That's where the disciples found themselves. Jesus had died, their dreams were shattered, their lives were at a dead end, and now some of them were reporting that they had seen Jesus alive. As they gathered together to share stories of their emotional roller coaster-BOOM!Jesus appears right in the middle of them.

Can you picture yourself standing in that room? I wonder whether Jesus appeared right in the middle of them or kind of off to one side in a corner. Did He wait around to see how long it would take before someone noticed Him? Who saw Him first? Or did they all see Him at the same time?

However it happened, everyone reacted the same way. They were terrified and frightened (as though it wasn't enough to just be one of these two!). They thought they were seeing a ghost.

And there, in the midst of all their trouble, Jesus speaks out, Peace!

As He had spoken in the middle of the storm, Peace! and the waves were stilled, He now spoke to His disciples to still their worries and fears.

Peace, I am not dead. I am alive, and I am with you! In an instant, everything changed.

Can you hear Jesus speaking to you right now? He is saying, Peace! He is saying, I am with you, even right now, and My presence changes everything.

What is troubling you? Jesus is the answer. His death and resurrection mean the promise of peace no matter what we face. Will you ask Jesus for His peace right now?

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your peace! Right now in life I am facing trouble and I don't have peace, but I know that You do. Please come, give me Your peace, and help me through my troubles!

Amen