June 14, 2020 (Sunday)
“Peace be with you” were the words of Jesus when He appeared to His disciples after the resurrection.
Back in those days, this was sometimes a common greeting tantamount to “Hello” or “How do you do?” Or “How are you” or “How ya’ doin’?” “Peace be with you.”
At other times it was probably a heartfelt wish for a person in need of encouragement. I would not dare guess how many times I have uttered the words, “God bless you,” to people grieving the loss of a loved one. I have said the same words to others just to affirm to them that I care and I stand ready to help if needed. “Peace be with you” conveys the same kind of assurances.
The disciples were upset over seeing Jesus crucified and have been talking among themselves about the possiblity of a resurrection but they were not yet sure about it. Jesus suddenly appears to them and says, “Peace be with you,” meaning “Be calm. Let peace exist in your hearts. Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.” “Peace be with you.”
And Jesus spoke of peace that should exist in our hearts because we know Him as our Savior. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). This is the peace that passes all understanding and the peace that Jesus gives to His children today. Do you have this peace in your heart?
Sweet Peace, The Gift of God’s Love
Peter Philip Bilhorn (1865-1936)
circa 1900
There comes to my heart one sweet strain,
A glad and a joyous refrain;
I sing it again and again
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.
Chorus:
Peace, peace, sweet peace!
Wonderful gift from above!
O wonderful, wonderful peace!
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love!
Thru Christ on the cross peace was made,
My debt by His death was all paid;
No other foundation is laid
For peace, the gift of God’s love. [Chorus]
3 When Jesus as Lord I had crowned,
My heart with this peace did abound;
In Him the rich blessing I found
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love. [Chorus]
4 In Jesus for peace I abide,
And as I keep close to His side,
There’s nothing but peace doth betide
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love. [Chorus]