Peaceful Waters

 

 

Having a clear conscience is like sailing on calm waters. 

But what do you do when the waters storm and rage - when your conscience accuses you rightly of your wrongs?

What is the price for peace? You could ignore it for a little while. But in reality, there is no where to hide from yourself.

Then again, is it even possible to be entirely good? 

When we take a deeper look into ourselves we realize the answer -  it's a resounding "no". Honestly speaking, aren't we incapable of being perfect?

Ancient scriptures prophesied about a person who will save the world. A man named Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies about the Savior. In fact, He's God Himself who came to earth as a man. When one of the Jewish preachers, John the baptist, saw Jesus, he exclaimed "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). 

During His time on earth Jesus healed and helped many people and taught them about God's kingdom. The religious leaders at the time, didn't approve of Him. Once He was questioned why He spent time with sinful people. His response was "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17). He gave people, who wanted to turn away from their wrongdoings, a fresh new start. All they had to do was to trust in Him and follow His teachings. 

For all the good that He did for everyone, how was He repaid? Unjust torture and death by crucifixion.  He was not powerless to save Himself. He's God. But on the cross, He displayed the heights of God's mercy. In the midst of excruciating pain and suffering, He cried "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

He showed us another way than the tit-for-tat ways of the world - the way of God's mercy and love. When we recognize our inability to be perfect, we can go to Jesus. He is always there for the bruised reed and the smouldering wick. He forgives our sins and gives us a new beginning, a clear conscience. Our hearts are at peace when we are forgiven and we can trust and follow Him.

On the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus became alive again. Many people saw Him and He continued teaching His followers. 40 days later he ascended to heaven.

If you are hurting inside, overcome with guilt, take heart, there's hope.