The scenario has been replayed many times. People of God speaking and contemplating the seriousness of the world around them and the dangers to themselves and others. Then suddenly, like a mighty gust of wind, there is my Jesus saying, “ Peace be unto you.” What a truly strange and seemingly unappropriated thing to say. Peace among this torrent of danger and daily assaults? The very idea seems to be a delusion of some sort like a dream where truth and fallacy join in a bizarre dance.
But Jesus continues in sincerity and wondrous caring,
“ What’s bothering you? What could possibly be so important as to cause all this sadness and fear? I’m still a man. You can still see me. You can still feel me. I am not a ghost of the past. I still, to this day, am made up of flesh and bones. Though I reside in heaven I am as close as your next heart beat. With your next breathe you can remember the sacrifice that I made just for you. My promises are as fresh as they were long ago. Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten those words that I said, IT IS FINISHED?
Can’t you remember how I fulfilled the law and the prophesies and the songs that were written about me? It is way past time to listen to my Spirit so that you might be reminded of the scriptures that my Father gave to you.”
Jesus continues as the people listen,
“ It was MY decision. I was never a martyr. I gave up my life, on earth, willingly, knowing that the future would be a frightening place for those whom my Father had given me. It was MY decision to suffer. It was MY decision to die just so my people would have the promise that should banish fear forever. Don’t you imagine that, with just one twitch of my finger I could have stopped all the legions of Rome? Don’t you know that the earth and all of its creation is mine to do with as I see fit? “
Jesus pauses then goes on,
“ Can you drink from the cup that I drank from? When I rose from that grave after three days it was to prove that I had overcome death and would pass that promise to anyone who would believe. Anyone who would realize that in their disobedience laid, unreachable, death but that death could be negated. That through my sacrifice you would never, ever, need to fear again.”
Jesus let’s His eyes play over the men and women of today’s church,
“ You have seen my work. You have heard the word of God. Do you somehow feel God can lie? You have obeyed some of my Father’s commandments. Why not obey them all? To ignore the commandments and the truth of my Father’s promises is to label Him a liar. Listen, the promises of myself and my Father are the same. Simply ask and you will be given, through my Spirit, power and strength from heaven. Where I have led you will follow and do greater things than even I did. Not in a spirit of fear but in a spirit of victory. You will win! It is a done deal. You have my blessing and the blessing of my Father. Those blessings have been part of your existence forever should you choose to accept them.”
Jesus scans the assembly before Him in love and majesty,
“My work , now, is in heaven as I prepare for the end of days. Your work is here on this planet whose fate was decided since the beginning as well as your part in it. Resist evil. There is no thing such as coincidence. The Father has never changed His will. It is the same yesterday as it is today and will be tomorrow. He has willed the changes that you see ,also, but the promises remain the same. Continue in praising and blessing God for His wisdom and strength. Do not fear! I am with you always! Even to the end of the earth!”( Luke 24:36-53).
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Steven: Thanks for this meaningful piece. Isn't it wonderful to know God is the same today as He was yesterday. He never leaves His children out in the cold. He always welcomes them in under His mighty wing offering them warmth, comfort and peace. God Bless You.
