John 20:19 NIV78 - On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” The actions of our Savior that very night, the first night after His Resurrection, have great significance: an affirmation that indeed it is He…bodily (his wounds); but also an incredible grace and mercy as He encouraged the Disciples. Even though all of them had fled as cowards and abandoned Him in his hour of greatest need (except for John); and were now huddled in fear and unbelief, He did not appear to them with the tone of condescension nor the rod of condemnation. Instead, out of the great motivation of Love, Jesus says, “Peace,” “Shalom,” “Order,” “Wholeness,” and “Right Standing with God.” I have shared with you my belief and my concern, that we are in that Hour which our Lord prophesied would come: Matthew 24:12 KJV - …Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. The only remedy for this is the LOVE of CHRIST shed abroad within the hearts and lives of His People. For more information; including HANDOUT and POWERPOINT; Please visit www.christiancathedral.org/media
