“Take a deep breath and count to ten.” This was the advice that I gave to my children whenever they became upset or angry because of what was said or done to them. Unfortunately, I did not always follow my own advice and instead said or done things I later regretted.
I am reminded of this good advice whenever I hear the words of Jesus recorded in John 20:21-23, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’”
His words, “Peace be with you” announced to His disciples the offering of his gift of forgiveness and peace, which was the fruit of his sacrificial death and resurrection. This gift of peace would remove the fear that was holding them hostage. Remember, it was fear that chased the disciples to hide behind locked doors. And while they are trembling with anxieties and fears, the resurrected Jesus enters the room.
This surprise visit by Jesus was more than just a friendly, neighborly visit to confirm His aliveness. It was a life-changing mission-sending visit, empowering His disciples to carry on His mission of forgiveness and peacemaking in the world. In these few verses, I am hearing Jesus say to his disciples and to us, “I am sending you to be peacemakers, so take a deep breath of my Holy breath and receive my forgiving peace, which will enable you to embody the Father’s love and forgiveness for the world.”
Jesus concluded his mission-sending commission by reminding the disciples that if God’s forgiveness is not displayed in their lives than it will not be displayed at all. Jesus’ Spirit-breath of peace was to enable his disciples to embody and demonstrate the Father’s love and forgiveness (salvation) for the world.
And as he had told them earlier, their peace-mission will be known by their love for one another, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). So, “take a deep breath and count to ten” before you speak or react.
It is important for us to understand that this gift of “peace” is wrapped within a living, daily relationship with God. It is in this relationship with Christ and his Holy Spirit, that we receive empowerment for both living at peace within ourselves and toward peacemaking with others. For just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto his disciples to empower them to carry forward his mission of forgiveness, healing, and peace in the world, so also, in the same manner, he empowers and commissions us.
The secret of daily living in this peace and confidence is often as simple as just “taking a deep breath” of God’s holy breath. For as we deeply breathe in God’s breath, we become co-creators with God. And as
co-creators, we are empowered to breathe new life and hope into difficult and threatening situations and relationships by breathing peacemaking responses and solutions into the crisis or difficulty. So, “take a deep breath and count to ten.”
As we breathe God’s Spirit-breath, creativity is awakened, and his profound wisdom and love are empowered in us to do his will on earth as it is in heaven.
What may be your first thoughts as you awaken each morning? I suggest we first take a few moments to sense the presence of God and of Jesus breathing on us and saying, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit and be empowered to breathe the new life of forgiveness, peace, and hope into each relationship throughout the day.”
Edwin Hatch has written a prayer-hymn that is so appropriate for the beginning of every day. It is titled “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” and was published in 1878.
Breathe on me, breath of God. Fill me with life a-new,
that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God, un-til my heart is pure,
un-til with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am whol-ly thine,
Till all this earth-ly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God, so shall I nev-er die,
But live with thee the per-fect life of thine e-ter-ni-ty.
<><> AMEN <><>
“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 24, 2022
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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