A Summer of Sacred Space continues through the devotional book Sacred Space: A Little Book of Encouragement. We invite you to join us. Each week is a self-contained study of three devotionals, all picked at random. It’s never too late to jump in!
This week took us through chapters 53, 20, and 10.
Chapter 53: I Need Peace That’s Real
John 14:27
Jesus tells us: Peace I give you, but not like the world.
He leaves us with an other-worldly peace. Everything the world offers us, including peace, is temporary and ultimately leads to death.
Rest In Peace, is written on headstones. Leave me in peace! or I need some peace and quiet. are common phrases when people need to escape an annoying person or a disturbing situation.
The peace Jesus leaves us with is present and constant no matter the circumstances. His peace enables us to love those around us under any conditions. Only Jesus makes the way for this type of peace.
Chapter 20: God Has Already Shown Me Favor
Luke 1:67-68, 76-79
These verses share part of the prophecy Zechariah spoke after his son John (who grew to be the Baptizer) was born. It began by stating the Messiah’s work was already done — His people redeemed — even though, at this time, He was still in the womb. God’s purpose and plan would not be thwarted. The favor already given.
Zechariah’s son was the focus of the second half of the prophecy. John the Baptizer’s message of salvation through the forgiveness of sin would make the way for many to receive the good news of Jesus and set them on a path of peace.
The light of salvation cannot shine in our lives until we embrace the darkness of our sin and understand the dire nature of our situation. His light of tender mercy comes through the knowledge and acceptance of our depravity. Only then will we follow Him in the way of peace.
Chapter 10: Jesus Finds Us Weeping
John 20:11-18
Here we see Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the empty tomb. Crying and sorrow-full because Jesus’s body is missing.
So focused on serving her Lord even in His death, making sure His body was cared for properly in burial, she sees the angels but is NOT awestruck with fear!
They ask her why she is weeping and she tells them. Then Jesus comes up behind her, yet still so focused on her missing Savior, she doesn’t recognize Him (or He doesn’t allow her to). Until He calls her by name: Mary!
Nothing is the same. She thought He was missing. she thought He was dead. but here He is ALIVE! He reveals His presence and redirects her service: Go to My brothers and say…
Keeping our focus on finding Jesus in heartbreak and sorrow, staves off fear. Even when our understanding is wrong, seeking Him when we think He’s missing, will bring us revelation of His presence. Recognizing His presence, He sets us on a new mission focused on sharing the good news about His resurrection. Seek and you will find.
Spending time in sacred space leads us to finding peace in unexpected places. The eternal steadfast peace of Christ not based on our circumstances or emotions.
We discover peace with God by first embracing our sinful nature, understanding our desperate need for a Savior. And when we set our focus on finding Jesus when we think He’s gone missing, He reveals Himself, settles our hearts, and gives us a new mission of sharing the good news.
Jesus said He came to bring peace — but NOT like the world’s peace — and that’s exactly what He did. And He still does it today. We just need to keep our eyes focused on Him and let His light of truth shine in our hearts.
Next week’s chapters:
65, 21, & 48
Again, you are invited to join us.
Tuesdays at 9am (except July 4) & Wednesdays at 12noon
Books are available in the shop.
May God bless you with peace in unexpected places. And when you think He’s gone missing, may He reveal His presence. Amen.
Carol & Stacy
Feature Image Photo by Minku Kang on Unsplash
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