Peace!

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 4
 
The first word spoken by the Lord Jesus to the assembled disciples after He was risen was, "Peace!" What He first showed to them was the evidence of peace—"His hands and His side." They heard, and looked, and "then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." John 20:19, 2019Then 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, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19‑20).
“Peace to you" is still the Savior's word, and the ground of that peace is unaltered.
Perhaps you say, "Would that. I could realize what He says. I must have evidence!" There is no evidence beyond what is given. If you lack joy, it is because you lack faith. Instead of listening to the Lord's word, Peace, you hearken to the difficulties which your own heart raises.
Thomas too had difficulties: he wanted evidences! What did the Lord give him to satisfy his heart? Was it a new revelation—a different word from that which He had given to the other disciples? No; it was the very same word and the very same evidence over again.
“Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing." John 20:2727Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (John 20:27).
May the Spirit of God open your ear to the Lord's words, and then you will have "peace that passeth understanding.”