His followers hid themselves within a room with doors locked. Fearful of those who were searching for them on the outside, they were grieving also on the inside because their leader was unjustly tried, convicted and murdered on a cross. An atmosphere of fear, grief and deep sorrow filled the room.
But it all changed the moment Jesus suddenly showed up. He was suppose to be dead, but He wasn’t. He was alive!
To calm their fears, Jesus said, “Peace with you.” And to fill them with a renewed sense of purpose, He said, “As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” What followed afterwords, completely changed the atmosphere not only on the outside, but in their hearts as well.
Jesus then breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
As leaders, we need to remember that . . .
The ATMOSPHERE we live in, or create for those around us, will almost always determine what will grow, live, thrive, or die within it.
For His followers, Jesus’ presence and the words He spoke changed the atmosphere from one of deep despair, to one of joy, hope and possibilities!
A prayer for you today…
May the Spirit who was in Jesus be upon you today, and throughout your week. In His mercy, may He completely change the atmosphere within and around you, that has been a source of fear, worry and sorrow in your life. In His grace, may His Word of peace come to you in the breath of His voice. And in His power, may He impact your leadership and service to others.
May the Spirit who was in Christ be in you; enabling you to know God’s will, and empowering you to do God’s will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!
† Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” When He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.“
John 20:21-22 NRSV