Sent!

Sent!

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:21 KJV

Context:

Jesus had fulfilled the purpose of God for sending him to the world. The price for sin had been paid in full, and the way back to God had been laid out. This was the event that God spoke about as far back as the Garden of Eden, when he promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the seed of the serpent. This was it; done and settled. God keeps his promise; He is not man that can lie. What promises has God made to you, but which seem to be delaying? The capacity of the God who speaks makes it clear that he can do all that he promises. 

Message and Response:

This was the first time Jesus would appear to almost all his disciples in one place. They had gathered in fear of the Jews, with the doors locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. What is that locked door behind which you are cowering in fear: is it debt, sickness, poverty, pain, loss? Whatever it is, no locked door can keep out the One who died and lives again to secure life for mankind. If he could pay such a high price to secure life for me, what else would he not give up for me or give to me? 

He came and stood among them; men who were fearful of everything and all he spoke to them was his peace and an assignment. That is all I need to have, know and do. At no time has God promised me that there will be no trials. He makes it clear that the world will hate me and will fight me, yet I have the presence of God in me to make it all worth it. 

His peace is his nature; that is why he can give it in abundant measure to all who ask him. No man on earth can give you that which belongs to God. The world may have its own version, but if it is not the real thing, it can't give you the same result. What is that thing you are holding in your hand right now? Is it that which you have schemed to obtain, or that which God has given you? If it will end where God planned, it has to be with that which God gives. 

And he does not just give peace, so I can sit back, relax and do nothing; he gives his peace so I can get to work with and for him to establish that same peace on earth. That which I have been given is not for my sole consumption but for the benefit of the world he has placed me in. That is the reason why Jesus was sent: to bring God's peace down to earth. All who follow Jesus have the same assignment: bring God's kind of peace to the world. It is not the peace that is enforced by physical weapons, but one that is enshrined and maintained by the presence of the Prince of peace. 

No matter what I am going through now, Jesus speaks his peace into my heart. No matter the storms, his peace is the answer to the many questions. I may not have all I need now, but if I have God, I do have all that I really need. If I have God, I can walk and work with and for him with joy, sure and certain that he has my back and will be with me to the end. He does not send out and abandon halfway; he is there for the whole journey. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all present, helping and supporting until the work is complete and the walk is fulfilled. Have you met this Jesus, the God of peace? Does he rule your heart, and is he in charge? Can he direct your heart to focus on the things of eternal value, or do you first need to sort out your allegiance? Remember, eternity beckons. You don't have forever. I don't have forever. While there is still time, I must sort out my heart. Eternity will be glad I did it right. His time of favour is here.