John 16:33  “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)

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Peace is possible. Peace in your heart, peace in your mind, and peace in your relationships is about as real as you want it to be. Peace is possible because every adversary has been defeated by Jesus when he conquered death. 

Trials and sorrows are certain. None of them are ultimate if you belong to Jesus. Pains and problems will come and go. Some will disturb you deeply. Even so, there is a final word, and it is not Retreat. It is not Give Up. It is not Give In. It is not Hopelessness nor Helplessness. 

The final word is Resurrection. Resurrection leads to full and meaning lives now followed by perfect love and perfect peace forever. 

Jesus overcame the worst that can be done to us. He empowers us to live overcoming lives. One day, we too will overcome death. What J.R.R. Tolkien calls Eucatastrophe will be our experience as our final tears of loss transform into declarations of joy.

The resurrection of Jesus was the eucatastrophe, the dramatic event leading to the resolution of humanity’s enslavement to death, that makes Eden’s peace and purpose possible. It ushers us into the presence of our Father in Heaven. It renews and restores all things. 

Today is a day to sing the songs, to ring the bells, and to breathe the reality of life everlasting signed, sealed, and delivered by Jesus because of his love for you. He loves you as if you were the only one in need of his mercy and grace. He loves you so completely that he joyfully (John 15:12, 13; Hebrews 12:1, 2) laid down his life for you. 

Today is a day to receive this gift that cost so much. Today is the day to declare for all to hear, “I belong to Jesus.” Today is the day to know that you live in the grip of his grace (John 10:28, 29). 

He is risen! 

He is risen indeed!

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I will sing his praise, declare his truth, and enjoy his presence and purpose forever.

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Our Father, we are the recipients of your loving redemption. You have done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We belong to you. Your grace is amazing. Your mercy endures forever. Thank you for your gift of salvation that we joyfully acknowledge and receive. Empower us to live out all that it means for the rest of our lives. Amen.