Do Not Fear: But, Rejoice!

  

 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

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

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." 

                                                                                  (John 20:19-23 KJV)

There seems to be a lot of people living in fear these days. It seems also to be a  very natural and common reaction and truly about the only thing we can do  about the fear that creeps into our lives is to have faith that God is with us in Christ Jesus and he will see us through.

The disciples had every reason to be afraid by human standards. The Jews hierarchy had just conspired to get Jesus crucified. They were afraid that since they were such close friends and followers of Jesus that they would be next.

But, then something wonderful happened. As he had promised, this Jesus who had just been put to death showed up. Although the doors were locked, Jesus appeared in the same room with them and said to them, "Peace be with you."  Their fear slipped away and was replaced by joy in the presence of Jesus.

No matter what is going on in the world around you, remember what Jesus' promised the disciples as he sent them out to follow in his footsteps: 

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 

                                                                                   (Matt 28:18-20)

Do not fear; but, believe! Trust that the Lord is with you now and always and rejoice!

God's Peace - Pr. J.