Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

(John 14:27)

I’m not going to lie that sometimes I fear for us all. I’ve been in the ministry long enough to know that “bad things happen to good people.” For that hour or so that we are together, it feels like a safe harbor, a cocoon, and sometimes a mountain top. But as the worship service comes to a conclusion there is one word that we cannot ignore: Go! A ship was not built for the harbor, to become a butterfly a cocoon must be left behind, and God’s people can’t build booths on any mountaintops. Jesus said these words to his disciples because soon he would be going and they must go on without him. He knew they would face many trials. But he did not send them away empty-handed. He sent them with his peace.

When we are told to “go in peace” at the end of a service we leave in the blessing and power of his peace. His peace can allow you to face your fears with courage. His peace can enable you to address your challenges with wisdom and strength. His peace cleanses you of sin and guilt and shame so that you are free to seek truth and life. His peace is a cloak of love over you that shields you from the cold cruelness of the world. On the police show, Hill Street Blues, after each shift briefing, the sergeant would send them out with the words, “Let’s be careful out there.” Jesus sends us out with the words, “Go in my peace and do not be afraid.”

Pastor Andy