From the Regional Team  

Rev Andy Twilley

SEBA Regional Minister
 

Peace, Purpose and Presence

Read Andy's article below, listen to the podcast here or watch his video here.

You know, I get it… how the disciples felt on the evening of resurrection day. That mix of emotions:

Guilt! They’d run away. Deserted Jesus at his most critical moment.
Disappointment! They had had such hopes, such high expectations, excitement as they’d journeyed with Jesus. Dashed!
Fear! If this could happen to Jesus, if a crowd could be turned against Jesus, well nothing was beyond the scope of the religious leaders.

Such feelings cutting to the heart of their emotional and mental well being. No wonder the disciples shut themselves away, fearful and uncertain about the future.

So the scene is set for the disciples transformational encounter with the risen Jesus recorded in John 20: 19-22, as he comes amongst them. And Jesus’ first words, He offers peace.

As Jesus stands amongst them there is no condemnation or accusation for running away. No criticism for their doubts or denial. Peace!

Jesus had previously spoken about His peace. John 14: 27 records Jesus’ word, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

And the peace Jesus offered was not like the peace the world offers. This peace from Jesus was far deeper and more profound. His peace bringing wholeness and well-being; harmony of body, mind & spirit; the Shalom of God. This peace a reality irrespective of what is going on around us.

Whatever you are going through today… God says to you, "Peace be with you."

Secondly, He gives them purpose - v. 21, "as the Father sent me, I am sending you." Wow! The commission given to Jesus by His heavenly Father is now given to us! In this commission there is no suggestion he was sending them off on a one-off mission trip but rather there’s a much wider sense of him sending them out from that room into each and every context they might be find themselves in to share the good news of the Kingdom. And that mission would subsequently expand from the immediacy of Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

So too for us, Jesus commissions us to share faith in our expanding contexts; our homes, work places, where we study… where we play. Opportunities to share the love of Jesus. The purpose the Master gives us is to share His love with our neighbours, friends, family, work colleagues… and as Paul said, to use all possible means. I wonder what that means for you, doing this using your online platforms as well as in person. Sharing the limitless love of God.

Finally, and here’s the best news, Jesus promises his presence with us as we go.

Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Here’s the truth. As Christian men and women we have the Holy Spirit living within us, the presence of our risen Saviour with us, wherever we go. As we journey in step with the Holy Spirit, we can experience the reality of God’s presence and the assurance of His presence.

I know that sharing our faith can feel daunting! We may feel unsure about how to do it or where to begin in talking about our faith. Well, addressing such concerns lies at the heart of the Partners in Mission day coming up on April 25th at Crawley Baptist Church.

This day is designed to encourage, equip and inspire you in fulfilling this aspect of your God-given purpose as a disciple of Jesus. With a stimulating keynote speaker and 8 seminars to choose from this is a day for you.

And I want to personally invite you to join us so that together we can all be better equipped to fulfil the purpose Jesus has given us of sharing the transformational good news of the Gospel.

I pray that you will know the Lord’s peace & presence each day as you seek to faithfully live for Jesus.

Hope to see you on the 25th.