Verse of the Day 12/8

Verse of the Day 12/8

 John 20:19-21  Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." 

20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."   NKJV

The setting in John 20 is that the disciples are cowering, hiding in fear from Jesus' persecutors when He appears to them to bring reassurance, to bring them peace.  To prove his love and that He was indeed Jesus, their Saviour, He shows them His hands and side.
What are some of the times in our lives when we may cower or want to hide in fear from the situation that is in front of us?  Serious illness, fear of death, or the loss of a loved one?  It may also be having to own up to past deeds and shame, facing accusers.  On these stormy seas, Jesus offers peace and quietness and not only that, He sends us out to bring peace to others in similar situations.  The words of the hymn "Blessed Quietness" came to mind.
Joys are flowing like a river,
since the Comforter has come;
He abides with us forever,
makes the trusting heart His home.
Chorus:
Blessed quietness, holy quietness,
what assurance in my soul,
on the stormy sea, *Jesus speaks peace to me,
**and the billows cease to roll.

May His peace be with you this morning and may you go out and share it with others in need of it.
Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at http://www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com/

John 20:19-23
19 The Apostles Commissioned (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Cor 15:5) 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." 
20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." 
22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."  NKJV