Devotion: Seeking Peace
Seeking Peace
Please take a moment to read John 20:8-9
Scrolling through social media this week was nice. I saw so many family photos; everyone in their Easter best, and enjoying time together. One of the true joys of Easter is focusing on all that spring promises and brings us – faith, family and hope. Suffice it to say, we have progressed far afield from what happened on the first Easter.
In scripture, we hear hundreds of times that we should not be afraid. Of course, we often are. And even though we hear we should not be afraid, the best and brightest of Jesus’ disciples were also filled with fear at the empty tomb. They knew he was to rise, but they also saw him die… and who would think that anyone can rise from the dead?
In my Easter sermon, I was privileged to tell the story of Jeff Griesch. A longtime member of Sheridan, Jeff and his wife, Emily, have raised their four children here. Jeff is an elected leader on Council. He is one of your spiritual leaders in our community. Jeff also has the distinction of having died and been brought back to life on two occasions. His story is surreal.
In essence, Jeff has a heart condition that has required two surgeries. In the first, when he was 17 years old, he died on the table and was brought back. The second surgery, only six months ago (!), he was basically chilled until he died, they operated on his heart and aorta, warmed him and brought him back to life. Again, how amazing!
Jeff tells his own story in a very matter of fact way. He seemingly has no fear of death. In his words, “I’ve been there already and I know that I will still be with the ones I love.” He has taught his kids to live, as best they can, without fear.
In our new worship series, we will look at the concept of peace. In the texts from Jesus’ resurrection, we will hear how he, having been dead and was resurrected, tells his disciples to not fear. He even “gives them peace.” Now, peace is something we all want. Peace is also a nebulous quality that we cannot fully control. But when we cultivate our faith in Jesus, we can be ready to receive the gift of peace. This is my experience of Jeff Griesch and his journey. Peace is a gift he has received… and now he seeks to share.
I invite you to worship with us at Sheridan over these few weeks in which we will learn, grow and become equipped to receive and give the gift of peace. I know you will be enriched.
Gracious God, give us the wisdom to seek you and to know you in faith, so that we might receive peace, and all the gifts you so gracious seek to give. Amen.
Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier
Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.