Peace is not a word most would use to describe the current state of our world. While our nation is healing from the effects of COVID-19, a new crisis is taking place overseas. Our hearts go out to the families in Ukraine who are undergoing the devastations of war and have been pushed out of their homes and country.
As we approach Easter, we can’t help but think of the peace and hope we have in Christ. We believe that Jesus lowered Himself and came down to earth as a baby. He experienced all the pains, joys, and temptations the world had to offer but He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He did this for one purpose – to carry the weight of our sins on the cross, and provide a way to our Father in heaven so that we may be saved.
In the hours before Jesus was arrested, before He died on the cross, He comforts His disciples and tells them in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus knew what was to come, and that He would overcome the world.
We can only imagine the turmoil His disciples must have felt in the days that followed. Did they trust in the words Jesus spoke before His arrest? Did they doubt? On the third day after His death, Jesus rose from the grave, appeared to His disciples, and returned to His Father in heaven.
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, all those who believe in Him are graciously given a path to life when we deserve death. We choose to have faith and peace, and trust in the words of Jesus. We are so thankful for this gift and want to proclaim it every chance we get. Happy Easter!