HAPPY EASTER

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Theme: The Peace of God
Text: John 20:19-23

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!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”



Having seen the affliction of their master and not finding His body in the tomb at the early hours of the morning, the heart of the disciples were filled with fear. Doubts manifest fear in our lives. When we begin to doubt the saving grace of God, fear eats into our hearts and cripples us. This was the situation of the disciples of Jesus Christ. All that can give them solace is PEACE FROM GOD. This was a divine greeting from the Lord they cared so much for. It is therefore comforting to sing the hymn, "When peace like a river attendeth my way" when it seems the woes of life is choking you all round. Christ understood the need of His disciples and so extended it further to say it again, Peace be with you.

This affectionate greeting shook the fear away and brought smiles and inner peace to the disciples. Having been encouraged, now they are sent forth to proclaim the gospel to all. Our core mandate as believers is to propagate the gospel where ever we find ourselves: in our lying and rising, going out and coming in, working or whatever we are engaged in. How often do you evangelize? Which souls are you not trying to share your light with? Get up and obey the Savior's will.


The peace of God, comes with forgiveness. This forgiveness is seen even on the cross (Luke 23:34), Stephen manifested it in his death (Acts 7:60) and likewise the other apostles. It is not for us to keep holding onto offenses. The path of the Christian is forgiveness. Let us learn to forgive each other and walk in the examples of Christ. Do you still hold a grudge at heart? Loose yourself from its grip by forgiving your offenders. May the peace of this Easter give you divine solace in heart.


Prayer: Prince of Peace, I need you to fill me with Your peace. Let me to learn to be at peace with all people. AMEN!

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