JEHOVAH SHALOM

In the Old Testament, shalom is a familiar Hebrew word for peace, a very common word among Jewish people and the most normal greeting among them.  They used it as a wish for completeness, fulfillment or blessing.  This is a different kind of peace than the world can offer, which is really just an absence of conflict and is a very temporary condition.  The world’s peace is not the same as the Biblical definition of peace.  While we can examine Scripture and find other examples of God’s peace being given, likely the most condensed statement of peace can be found in John 14:27.  This is where Jesus is preparing His disciples for His death, burial and resurrection.  He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

The words of Jesus in this Scripture tells us that being troubled/afraid is a choice. What is our basis for not being troubled/afraid? Like the direction given to the disciples, the answer in John 14:1 also applies to us – “Trust in God, trust also in me.” 

How does Jesus comfort the disciples about his leaving?  He tells them there is plenty of room in heaven and He is going to prepare a place for them.  And, He is coming back as well.

This past Sunday, Pastor Lawrence spoke about God providing, us receiving and then acting upon the provision.  God provided the perfect lamb in His Son for our restoration through His sacrifice.  We receive the Holy Spirit upon accepting Jesus as our Savior, the resulting action of which is a peace that passes understanding. 

If we read John 16:19-24, we see Jesus answering the unasked disciples’ question (and likely ours as well) of how do we deal with the time until He returns. Particularly in verse 22, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Shalom – peace be with you.