A word that appears 237 times in the Old Testament must be significant.

According to Kohlenberger III, John R. and William D. Mounce in their Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament, shalom can mean: Peace, safety, prosperity, well-being; intactness, wholeness; peace can have a focus of security, safety, which can bring feelings of satisfaction, well-being, and contentment. Also, completeness; health; peace; prosperity; safety; well-being. That sounds like something we would all want and the world needs.

Old Covenant

Shalom might be the best-known word in the Hebrew language. It is foundational for understanding the New Covenant message of Jesus. If you want to grasp the Old Covenant thinking, read the following verses: 1 Samuel 20:42; 2 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 9:7; 60:17; 66:12; Zechariah 9:10.

New Covenant

Jesus offered his followers this blessing: “Peace be with you”. He used the Greek word eirene, which is the New Testament equivalent of shalom. The peace Jesus gave was not the peace of the world (John 14:27; 16:33; 20:21), but something only he could provide. Paul tells us that Christ-followers have peace (Rom. 8:6) and that we are called to live in peace with fellow believers (Rom. 12:18). Ultimately, we are privileged to be spiritual peacemakers between humans and God (Matt. 5:9).

Reflection

This short article was inspired by preparing a sermon based on Matthew chapter 10. Jesus’ disciples are told to proclaim the kingdom and heal (vv7-8). What are they taking with them? Nothing material (vv9-10. Instead, they are taking Christ’s message, power, and…peace.

“If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.” (Matthew 10:13 NRSV)

Where did they get this peace? From Jesus. He is the living embodiment of shalom, sharing it with the world through his followers.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 NRSV)

Implications abound for what we tell people about Jesus. What are we bringing them? His peace, in us, for them.

Questions

  • How do these thoughts affect the way you think about evangelism?
  • How can you more fully embody and enjoy the shalom of Christ?

Your brother, Malcolm