Monday, April 20, 2015
John 20:19-20 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, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
ORDINARY WORDS, PROFOUND MEANING
Sometimes ordinary words become extraordinary. When the situation is right, a common phrase can become much more powerful than it usually is.
Think of a child coming home from school. As soon as he opens the door, and sets his bag down, he calls out, "Hi mom, I’m home!" Such a simple phrase, and probably a common one as well. And yet it manages to bring a smile to many a mother's face each and every day. That common phrase, "Hi mom, I'm home," has a measure of power.
But imagine, for a moment, that this child lived during the American Civil War. Imagine that he had gone away from his home to serve in the army. Imagine that he had been gone for three long years. He had tried to send letters, but all but the first few had been lost along the way. Mom hadn't heard from her son in a long time. She didn't know if he was alright, or not.
Now imagine the weight those words would carry. The door creaking open. The familiar thump of a bag set on the floor. And the voice of a long lost child calling out gently, "Hi mom, I'm home."
Sometimes ordinary words become extraordinary.
When Jesus appeared in that upper room on Easter evening, he greeted his disciples with a very common Jewish phrase. He said, "Shalom," or in English, "Peace be with you." But this was Easter Sunday. Coming from the recently crucified and now risen Jesus the phrase, "Peace be with you" carries profound meaning and great power.
He died to take your sins. He rose to give you peace--with God.
