Real Power for Real Life as Jesus provides Peace

Funny how life often does not work out how we plan it. You would think we would see reality and adjust our thinking to the fact that life doesn’t match our plans. Dreams are dreamed plans are set, hopes are lifted and then wham! Everything changes instantly.
The disciples were certain they were headed to power, rule and an easy life. Then Jesus ends up on a cross dies and is buried in a borrowed tomb. And now it looks like the religious leaders are out for them as well. Hopes and dreams are crushed, Jesus is dead.
It happens to us as well. Life is planned then… Doctors say cancer, terrorist blow up buildings, gas goes to $3 plus a gallon, kids…, careers end suddenly, life is highly unpredictable. Often it is fun, but… when a crushing blow happens what do you do?
The disciples stress out and hide. Hiding behind a locked door in a room is where we find them. The weight of grief hinders their steps, frustrates their thinking and captivates them with fear. What do they do? They hide!
We hide as well. Our hiding might not be behind locked doors. At 9/11 there was a run on duct tape and rolls of plastic so people could be protected from terrorist gasses. People were hiding in their fortresses we call homes. We hide as well stuffing grief and pain faking like we have no problems or pain in our lives. We deny reality and act like it’s all perfect. Inside we’re stressed. Grief requires action; crushed dreams and hopes require a response and hiding isn’t it. So we cover it with busyness, drugs, alcohol, TV, Radios, noise, and various other things. We do our best to eliminate any chance of facing reality. Instinctively we know we need more, but we don’t know what so we hide from it, cover it up, and deny it exists.
What’s God’s response to all of this is?
John 20:16 and 19
God’s response? Peace in grief and turmoil! The solution for Mary and disciples grief happens in relationship with Jesus. The reality of meeting Jesus is more important than the riddle of the tomb for Mary. The tomb for her is history; it is a cave left for others as an example, what matters is the living Jesus. When Jesus utters Mary’s name; she recognizes Him. Grief is thwarted and hope returns.
The disciples hide behind closed doors, fear and grief ruling their hearts, when Jesus enters in and speaks, “Peace be with you.” They are four simple words with incredible depth. They are for Peace, in the middle of crisis.
God is the master of the come from behind victory. All seems lost for the disciples and then Jesus… Peace, Hope, Understanding of God’s plan. Their plans are changed to join God’s plans. They get what God is doing.
Life gets the best of us as well. There’s no way to avoid it. Crisis and grief will come, what do you do with it? Jesus offers peace in crisis – Peace comes from relationship with Jesus. We have forfeited peace and chosen grief, pain, fear and hurt by not entering into relationship with Jesus. Jesus will come alongside of us in the middle of crisis like He did for Mary and the disciples and bring His peace. It is who He is and what He does.
Conclusion: Jesus changes the hopeless to hopeful, the out of control to under His control. In deep grief and chaos the disciples find the truth of Jesus. He is not a hoped for military or political savior, rather He is the God who gave His life for us. God meets people at the point of grief and loss of hope to give what we need. Peace!
The disciples were crushed; despair defined their lives. Fear gripped their hearts. Then Jesus… He provided them His Peace.
It is a question of trust. Are we willing to trust Him even when life falls apart? Are we willing to risk crushed dreams, lost hope, and deep grief for the promise of peace? It is the offer of Jesus! Or do we choose to hide, deny, stress out or cover up reality?
Do we believe He can give us peace? Are we willing to risk fear, pain, grief and chaos for His Peace? He offers Himself to us. Will you place your trust in Him and receive His peace?