Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Well it has been one of those weeks in ministry. The kind where you think it’s a Wednesday when it is still Tuesday. Fitting that within a week of my previous blog about “Borning Cry” being stuck in my head I am planning to commend two parishioners to God. So here we have a frantic week. Stress, sorrow, surprise, anguish, anger, uneasiness, fear, and a full sense of ineptitude and it’s only half way through the week. Rather than a song stuck in my head this week there is a verse which I have been holding onto. This verse is from John’s gospel. Just after telling his disciples of the coming Holy Spirit Jesus promises his disciples peace. Peace is easiness, happiness, comfort, safety, tranquility, and a full sense of being guarded from harm. Christ offers it to us, but how are we at receiving that peace? There is a point in many church services where we are invited to pass the peace with those gathered for worship. I have been blessed with a congregation that takes time to pass that peace rather than getting in a few handshakes and sitting down for the offering. “Peace be with you.” or “Peace.” are the common phrases used in this ritual. The peace we are sharing in this moment is the peace of Christ he promises in John 14:27. Please remember that if we are sharing the piece then we are not just giving the peace but we are receiving that peace. What would it look, sound, and feel like if we took time to receive that peace instead of moving forward quickly to give that peace to another. In the midst of chaos or joy Christ is always extending to us peace. It is yours to receive. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Ponder Points:
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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