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Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

 

While growing up my family would attend an annual service at a historic Lutheran Church not far from our home. Imagine if you will a white wood sided country church sitting on top of the hill with the bell tower on top. The cemetery was located just behind the church. The daffodils were framing the outline of the church building and farmland surrounded the church for almost as far as you could see. A good stiff Iowa breeze was usually blowing during this springtime service. Neighbors were gathered on the lawn to visit both before and after the service. This church is where I first remember hearing the hymn “Breathe on me Breath of God.”

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

 

The words of this hymn seem appropriate for the setting with Jesus and his disciples.

Jesus says to his disciples “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” What wonderful gifts the disciples received that day. The joy of seeing Jesus, peace and forgiveness. May we remember how precious these gifts are and share them with others.

 

Heavenly Father, please fill our hearts and minds with the Holy Spirit so that we may “love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.” Amen

 

Kris Ward

kris5124@icloud.com

 

Prayer Concern - Peace for the world