When I grow discouraged about the state of the world, I love going back to the resurrection accounts. I love Christ's repeated greeting, "peace to you" (Luke 24:36, John 20:19). It conveys a sense of the calmness and strength of the risen Christ. My favorite to imagine is John 21:1-14. It's dawn. 7 of them are fishing. A stranger on the shore calls out to them, causing a miraculous catch (see picture below). Then he invites them to breakfast. Amazingly, they know it's him, but don't dare ask (v. 12)! Can you imagine the sense of tension and wonder while they sat around the fire, eating, as the daylight slowly grew? I bet they were thinking, "can it really be him?" Perhaps part of the reason they dared not ask was sheer happiness. I don't know why Christ revealed himself at these particular times and in these particular ways, but it's comforting to consider what he must have been feeling toward the disciples. Surely he enjoyed the moment! They may have been panicky and beleaguered, but he was not. The thought of him serving them breakfast is wonderful (v. 13). I can imagine Christ having joy at their reactions. I am thankful that the risen Jesus is every bit as active and sovereign today. This enables us to move forward with calm joy, no matter what cloudy days we may face.
@gavinortlund Jesus is referring to the relationship between man and God. Paul had God's peace when his spirit had no rest. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13.
@gavinortlund At first glance I thought Jesus was double flipping the bird at those dudes. I think I failed the Rorschach test.
@gavinortlund I view your videos and appreciate them.
@gavinortlund Surely this is the heart behind Christ's intercession!
@gavinortlund So would you spit on this image if somebody asked you to? Treat it with disrespect?