Monday, December 11th John Jacobs
Shalom—God’s Peace
One of the hallmarks of the Christmas story is when the angels appear to the shepherds and proclaim, “Peace on earth.”
You likely already know the Hebrew word for peace: Shalom. This word occurs over 250 times in the Old Testament. Today, religious scholars use the term peace in its place. In English, the word peace tends to mean lack of war or conflict. However, Shalom includes peace, but also includes ”wholeness, and well-being.”
Throughout the Old Testament, God unfolds His plan for re-establishing His Shalom on earth. He made a “covenant of peace” with them and promised to restore all things by sending a Savior. This promised Messiah would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the greatness of His government there shall be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7.
Today, we take refuge in Jesus Christ words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Through God’s Holy Spirit we experience this peace, which transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7). God calls us to work with the spirit to restore God’s Shalom here on earth.
Peace with others begins as we understand that God has called us to be peacemakers. In Matthew 5:9, we read “blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”
Advent is the perfect time to commit to pursuing peace in your life and that of the greater world as we look ahead to the time of total Shalom being with Jesus.
As we prepare our hearts for the Advent of Jesus, may He fill you with all peace as you pursue Jesus; keep your eyes fixed on Him, no matter what may come. He longs to bring peace to each of us. Jesus is our peace.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
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