MAY 16, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

MAY 16 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING:  JOHN 20:19-29

It is hard for the person without Christ to understand, but there is no peace without Jesus. Our lives are filled with both joy and strife. Things don't always work out the way we would want and sometimes tragedy invades our existence. Where does one find true peace this side of heaven? From the same One, Jesus, who makes it possible for us to go to heaven. I remind you that the peace the Lord offers to those who follow Him is not the absence of conflict in this world, but the peace of heart, mind and soul in spite of the conflict we face. The earth is not a peaceful place, but in Jesus we can experience true peace...peace beyond what this world can comprehend. Jesus gives us peace with God, when before we were at odds with Him. Jesus gives us peace with ourselves, as He removes the guilt and power of sin that was against us. And, Jesus gives us peace with others, as He empowers us to genuinely love even our enemies.

Jesus is the greatest example of genuine peace in this sin fallen world. He was rejected by all, and yet He had peace. They attacked Him, beat Him, and nailed Him to a cross, and yet He had peace. He struggled with what He had to face as He called out to His Father in the garden, and yet He had peace. The words He said to His Apostles when they were all gathered together before He went to the cross, "My peace I give to you...not like the world gives." (John. 14:27). These words are our promise in Christ Jesus. There is no peace without Jesus, it is impossible without Him. When we know Jesus, then we truly know peace.

Please share your thoughts.