While they were telling these things, He Himself
stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be to you." Luke 24:36
At the
beginning of Jesus’ live on earth, angels sang about “peace” and after His
resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, declaring “peace” to them. Alpha
and Omega. The beginning and the end. Peace—Peace. Though peace was declared at
those times, Jesus’ life was not characterized by peace. The Jewish leaders
were continually trying to trick Him or catch Him in an act of unlawfulness.
They accused Him of healing on the Sabbath—He did. In one account of Jesus
healing a man on the Sabbath, from Luke 14 … And there in front of Him was a
man suffering from dropsy. Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and
Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But
they kept silent. He took hold of him and healed him, and sent him away. He
said to them, "Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well,
and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?" Luke 14:2-5. It was not an atmosphere of
peacefulness—but one of hostility towards Jesus. His response was peaceful—with
calmness. He challenged the Pharisees with the issue of the well—who wouldn’t
save his son or ox? The Pharisees claimed to be righteous, but by their silence
before Jesus, they showed that they were human, too. They taught others to be
legalistic. Do as I say…not as I do.
Jesus was a
perfect example—we can follow not only His words, but His actions. Be kind to
others—be at peace with them. Yet, consider one thing Jesus said about peace. Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on
earth? I tell you, no, but rather division…Luke 12:51. He wanted people to
choose Him—to chose God’s way over living to please other people like the
Pharisees or even family members in authority over us. Is this a challenge to
you?
Training Tip – Read the scriptures above and show your children
pictures of the angels declaring “peace on earth” to the shepherds when Jesus
was born, and if possible a picture of Jesus with the disciples—showing them
His scars from the crucifixion and declaring “peace be to you”. Talk about what
it means to be a peacemaker. Do you see that quality in your children?
Encourage them to help others rather than to stir up trouble.
Lord, help us to “depart from evil and do good; to
seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) just as you would have
us do. Help us to follow you—seeking peace with others.
Additionally, Lord God, I ask you today for a
healing touch for my five-year old granddaughter, Amelia—as she undergoes eye
surgery, tomorrow. Please help her not to be afraid—but to put her trust in
You. We know that You will be right there with her for You have promised to never
leave us or forsake us. Give her doctor wisdom and guide his hands as he does
the surgery. Give her parents your peace and strength—and I thank you for Your
spiritual guidance in their lives—In Jesus’ precious name.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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