Peace. Purpose. Power.

 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

— John 20:19-23

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

It's Sunday night. There are reports from Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John, that the tomb is empty and that you have been seen alive. But here are the disciples reacting to fear by locking themselves inside, afraid that the Jewish leaders are coming for them next. In the midst of their fear, you show up and announce, "Peace be with you!" Showing your hands and side, you remove all doubt that it's you and that you are alive. And then you send them as the Father sent you. Breathing on them to receive the Holy Spirit, you indicated they were going to receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them in a few days in the Upper Room. 

Lord, when I have locked myself up in fear, that's when you come and stand in my midst. In that encounter, you bring your peace. I have peace when I encounter you. When I have hidden myself away in fear, you remind me of my purpose. I am called and sent with your authority. And when I am withdrawn and closed off in my fear, you breathe on me a fresh anointing of the Spirit's power. Peace. Purpose. Power. That's what an encounter with you brings.

Gracious Lord, that's what I desperately need from You today. When my fears cause me to be negative, withdrawn, isolated, and self-protective, I need an encounter with You, the Living Christ, my Risen Savior. I need Your peace in the midst of my fear. I need to be reminded of my purpose when I've lost sight of my way. I need to be filled again with Your power. Please encounter me today and bring Your peace, Your purpose, and Your power.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!


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