In 2013 a fire whipped through forests in and near Yosemite National Park, consuming 400 square miles. 60 square miles were torched so severely that they became a wasteland.
There was no life left in the most devastated areas. Neither plants nor animals survived.
Surely many thousands of creatures fled to safety, but what of those who hid in their burrows, or hoped that the cooling waters in a creek or pond might be their salvation?
At what point did they lose all hope?
Where can we run when the fires rage around us? When our friends melt into the woodwork, leaving us as strangers in a strange land? When sinking finances suck our foundations away, the hole beneath our feet tipping us into a whirlpool of devastation? Or others’ lives are destroyed, and all fingers point our way?
Is there any place to hide?
For those in 1400 B.C., cities of refuge welcomed the stranger, the financially destitute, and the one who hid from his avenger. Joshua 20:9 tells us they were places of respite until final judgment could be decided.
How often do we wish for that place of respite? A break from the tedious trials of life? A place we can feel safe until the final judgment day?
We have that place in Jesus.
After the crucifixion, the disciples feared for their lives. Jesus had been snatched away and killed on the cross. Who knew what would happen to his followers? They were at the lowest point in their lives, and they needed respite.
That was when Jesus came into the picture. John 20:21 reveals Jesus’ words to the frightened men:
“Peace be unto you.”
The world might be in flames around us, but we can survive. All we have to do is turn to Jesus. Even when we feel abandoned, our finances tumble in a downward spiral, or accusing fingers point to us with suggestions of guilt, Jesus still whispers in our ears:
“Peace be unto you.”
When Jesus whispers “Peace,” the world becomes silent with awe and respect. Then and only then can we hear how much he really loves us.
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