Easter greetings! I have spent 56 years carrying a large wooden cross around the world in every nation and major island group. Easter is about Jesus and the cross. My body, legs and feet have been shaped by the weight of the cross on the sides of the rugged roads. I always feel the honor of lifting up the cross so that people will see the cross and hear the message of Jesus. I pray that you will read this message and let the message of the cross point to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Jesus, did he mean it? Peace on earth.
Peace! I pray that those of you reading this column have peace in your heart and life. The angels proclaimed ‘Peace on earth’ at the birth of Jesus. Peace came and Peace is still here on earth. Glory! The Word of the Lord to the Prophet Isaiah said the Name of the Savior would be called “Prince of Peace’.
9:6-7. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Luke 2:13-14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
In this troubled world today with wars, killings, death, sorrow, sadness, pain and loss is the Word of God true? Yes! The Angels were right. “Peace on Earth’. Jesus came and brought peace through His Life and Death and the Cross and the Resurrection! At the Cross the worst of man met the best of God and Peace was made.
The Kingdom of God is within. Jesus is ruling and reigning in my heart today and in the lives of millions around the world. Now, there is peace! You can know true and lasting peace within your heart no matter where you are on this earth and no matter what color or language you speak, your sex or age. Jesus will give you peace.
John 14:27. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 20:19-21.Then, 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, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you. Now when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
John 20:26. And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”
The peace of Jesus unlike any peace in the world today. It is real, internal and true. The call of Jesus is not to fear but have peace within.
Jesus said that in the world we would have tribulation! Yet we are to be of good cheer and have the peace that only Jesus gives. This peace can fill your heart in a land torn by war or conflict. You can have peace even if your family is falling apart. You can have peace and be in prison. Let no one or anything steal your peace. I have found in my life and walk with the cross around the world that I have peace in the worst places and difficult conflicts. I know Jesus is with me. During one period of tribulation I slept for weeks with the Bible as my pillow. I knew and needed the peace of Jesus to make it through.
Isaiah 53:5.
But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Oh the glory of knowing the peace that Jesus gives through His Blood.
Ephesians 2:13-15.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought nearby the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two,thus making peace.
In Jesus we have peace with the Father. The wall of sin from the Garden of Eden to now is destroyed and broken down by Jesus. Peace you and I can now have with God. Thank you Jesus. Nothing else can make peace with God but the Blood of Jesus. No religion, no sacrifice, no self effort and no works or beliefs can tear down that Wall but Jesus.
Now that we have peace with God we are to have peace with others.
Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”.
So the Peace of God now is to flow out to others.
Luke 1:79.To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
We are to be peacemakers. This is not to be the kind of peacemaker often thought of in today’s world as one who brings peace by killing the enemy.
An American gun that was used to conquer the Native American was called the ‘Peacemaker’ Colt Revolver. This was not what Jesus had in mind I am sure.
Peace is so important that the word occurs in each book of the New Testament except 1 John and Acts.
Yes you can know today the peace promised as you open your life to Jesus. You can live and have peace in your heart and love in your life.
Thank you Jesus.
Acts 10:36.The word which God sent to the children of Israel,
preaching peace through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all.
I encourage you who know Jesus to share Him and His peace with others. The greatest gift you can give is Jesus. Share Jesus with family, friends and strangers.
Peace Be With You!
Pilgrim followers of Jesus,
Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1
Happy Easter to you and your family as well! God bless and keep you always!
Wow Arthur thank you for your faith and love of Jesus. You traveled almost 60 years God bless you.
Thank you for the journey you are on. I pray for your safety as you show the world what Jesus did for each of us.
I feel peace daily, even through struggles , I trust His word and feel the peace He promises.
Blessing on you from Eagle, ID