Luke 24:36 (ESV)
As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”
Life beats us real hard. At some point, we may feel it is impossible to lift ourselves up and move on. We may still believe in the word but to open it up and read on could be a near impossible task. Perhaps we are too engaged in many things, and we neglect his presence. Being aware of his presence with us is a dynamic force. The disciples were caught unaware as they were busily engaged in their conversation after the resurrection. “Jesus himself stood among them…” He was probably in the midst for a while already and then he “said to them, “Peace to you!” His presence was accompanied by an impartation of peace. This simple greeting ended with such a strong emphasis – an exclamation mark. Jesus offers us peace whenever he shows up.
The world may have many lucrative things to offer us. But true peace is one that is not in the package. One of my good friends stood, facing a turbulent episode in her life and my prayers for her birthed into a poem. Jesus offers us the same perfect peace.
Gently touched by the breeze,
Standing at the shore.
The pictures of the horizon freeze,
Displaying life’s galore.
No one ever succeeds,
By just watching from afar.
We’ve got to take many leaps,
Let go of our security bar.
Diving into the sea of uncertainty,
By choice, or default.
Facing the world’s cruelty,
Causes us to want to hide in a vault.
The storms of life,
No warning they issue.
Churned in the midst of strife,
Fiercely, they pursue.
The waves sweep in,
Swallowing all our strength.
The strong undercurrent within
Real test for endurance length.
Whether we stand at the shore,
Or dive deep in the ocean.
The storms will find its way to the door
Of our hidden emotion.
Come what may,
In this fragile life…
In Jesus’ presence, we stay –
Enter into his perfect peace, don’t strife.
Peace – he gives,
Not of this world’s kind.
The negative impact he sieves,
Enveloping us with hope that shines.
O how great it is,
Thy perfect peace!
Anchoring our soul to His,
Stay serene in the midst.
Today Jesus stands in our midst, listening to every conversation we have aloud as well as the unspoken thoughts in our mind. He comforts us today as he comforted his disciples then in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Practice his presence which graced us with peace!
“Father, I am grateful I have Jesus. He stands with me and gives me peace! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 17 April 2020