Peace be with you… (John 20:19-23) 240907
There was an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, disappointment, disillusion, discouragement, depression, lost and even isolation. That was why the disciples had the doors shut (v19). I can identify with them, though may not be completely, but to a certain extent, there are times that I am in fear, uncertainty, disappointment, disillusion, discouragement, depression, lost and even isolation.
Some Christians will propose that Christians are supposed to have victorious life and hence should not experience these things. If so, there must be sins in their lives. But I disagree to this idea, though I will not negate the effects of sin, but I will not be so simplistic to equate all these fear and other emotions to sins. I believe that it is a way whereby God had ordained to draw me closer or to know Him better.
In this case, it was PEACE that the disciples had to learn. That was why Jesus responded to their fear and isolation by declaring: Peace be with you (v19). And when the disciples were filled with joy when they saw Him (v20), Jesus again responded by saying to them: Peace be with you (v21). And of course, Jesus added the commission statement: As the Father has send Me, I also send you (v21). And Holy Spirit was given to be with the disciples for the commission (v22).
Peace be with me, before I go out to do the work of God. What is this peace? Many modern preacher link this word to an old Hebrew word Shalom which means total wellness of a being, including wealth and health. But Apostle John was writing this in Greek. I am not too sure if he had this connotation in mind. Nonetheless, I will not negate that totally. But I will rather understand that ‘peace’ means the presence of God in the form of Holy Spirit. This is easier to understand just simply from the immediate context.
Therefore, in another word, Holy Spirit is with me. Since the Father had sent Jesus, He is sending me now, and I have to receive the Holy Spirit to do so.
Peace as in the presence of God in the form of Holy Spirit. So do you have the Holy Spirit in you to deal with fears, and isolation? I have, do you?
Peace be with you…
HHS…
Abel…
