Shalom to You – Darlene Edmondson
“And God’s peace reaches far beyond all human understanding that keeps our hearts and minds safely in union with Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7 GNT)
John Lennon, and wife Yoko protested the Vietnam war by singing 'Give Peace A Chance'. Their hope was to replace the fighting with peace. In comparison, Jesus bequeathed all believers His shalom (peace). It signifies a great deal more than freedom from fighting, reaching far beyond all human understanding. Let’s wade deeper into the ocean of God’s love to investigate the vast meaning of shalom.
Overall, shalom includes completeness, soundness, tranquility of body, mind, sou, and spirit. For example, the Hebraic greeting ‘peace be with you’ expresses a deep desire for one’s wholeness, including spirit, soul, and body. Additionally, shalom signifies both ‘hello and goodbye’ proclaiming fulfillment while traveling from birth to death. It also encompasses mental and physical composure, leading to a prosperous future and an honorable livelihood from birth to death.
Shalom can also be spelled shulam and indicates ‘paid for in advance,’ pointing to prepaid atonement ’the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world’ (Rev 13:8). To our amazing benefit, the first mention of ‘shalom’ appears in the Abrahamic covenant and extends to all who believe in Christ.
Constant attention by a believer upon God’s love, goodness, and shalom peace leads to an understanding that true security is found only in Him. This focus sets the stage for our internal and mental composure as the psalmist states, “l lay down in peace and sleep safely.”
In closing, shalom opens a gateway for comprehensive ‘oneness’ with Him (John 17:21). Our entire personhood receives redemption from past, present, and future sins because Jesus’ Himself is our Shalom. “My shalom (peace) I give to you, not as the world gives” (John 14:27). Let us receive this marvelous gift.
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