Day 3: Peace Behind Locked Doors
Bible passage: John 20:19–23
Fear in the Room
Today is Monday 3rd of January 2022. Welcome to Day 3 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Today we step into a locked room on the evening of the first Easter Sunday.
The disciples are hiding. Their Teacher has been crucified, the authorities may come for them next, and most of them ran when Jesus needed them. They have heard that the tomb is empty, but they do not yet know what to make of it. So they bolt the door.
Jesus Comes In
The First Word
No lock can keep Jesus out. He stands among them, and the first thing He says is, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 (NLT) He does not begin with a rebuke for their failure. He begins with shalom.
Then He shows them His hands and His side. The peace He offers is not cheap. It was bought with His wounds. And when they see Him, their fear turns to joy.
Peace Is a Person
Think about what had changed. The authorities were still outside. The danger was just as real. Nothing about their circumstances was different. What had changed was who was in the room.
That is the peace Jesus gives. It does not depend on trouble going away. It depends on Him being near.
Sent with His Breath
Peace with a Purpose
Jesus says “peace” a second time, and then He gives them a mission: as the Father sent Him, so He is sending them. Then He breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit.
In the beginning, God breathed life into the first man (Genesis 2:7). Now the risen Jesus breathes new life into His people. His peace is not given so that we can stay hidden. It is given so that we can go out, filled with the Spirit, carrying the message of forgiveness to others.
Unlocking the Door
Name your fear. What has you locked in at the start of this year? Say it to Jesus plainly.
Welcome His presence. God promised Moses that His presence would go with him and give him rest (Exodus 33:14). Ask for the same today.
Go where He sends. Who needs to hear a word of peace or forgiveness from you this week?
David wrote that God’s unfailing love is better than life itself (Psalm 63:3). When we know we are loved like that, fear loses its grip.
Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You that no locked door can keep You out. I bring You my fears about the future. Whether or not my circumstances change, stand in the middle of my life and speak Your peace. Breathe on me afresh, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and send me out to carry Your peace to others. Amen.
Keep going
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