John 20:19-31
Jeremiah said it. It was an indictment of the culture.
For though there was no war and the nation had strong military might and great wealth, still there were some who did not have what they needed. They did not have justice or opportunity. So the prophet exposed their lack of well-being, wholeness and completeness as a nation. There was no peace (shalom).
Here, the disciples are huddled together in fear and grief and Jesus came to wish them Peace. They did not have well-being, completeness or wholeness, but Jesus offered them Peace (eireinei).
Then, Jesus sent them out, but not without the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' presence must have restored a great deal of shalom.
The presence of the Holy Spirit would sustain them in shalom.
When our well-being, completeness and wholeness has been challenged or devastated, we hold onto the hope that it will be restored. We trust in the presence of God in our lives. We carry on.
Doubting God's presence, love and grace condemns us to a lack of shalom or any hope of it.
Hope on. Keep steppin'.
Pastor Jamie
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