Wednesday, October 1, 2008
John 20:19-23
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them 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. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (ESV)
by Angie Osborn
When Jesus appeared to the disciples, they were hiding from the Jewish leaders. Jesus found them and replaced their fear with peace and joy. He spoke peace to them and calmed their hearts. He visited with them, and they were filled with joy. Finally, he breathed the Holy Spirit onto them and told them to receive it. Christ does the same for us today. When we are afraid or hiding, he pulls us into his light and gives us peace. As we spend time in his presence, we are filled with joy. He still gives us the Holy Spirit and asks us to receive that gift. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience Christ and all that he has to offer. Openly receive his gift of his presence which brings peace and joy!
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
