Shalom Experienced
Jesus was great at setting expectations. The disciples on the other hand were not always great about understanding and following through on them. Before he is crucified, Jesus tells the disciples, “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 NIV) He knows what they are about to go through and he knows that it’s going to be really scary, not to mention devastating. Think about it. The disciples had grown up hearing that God was going to send a savior who would save the entire world. He would be a king! Now they’re not only in his presence, THEY are the chosen 12 who get to walk right next to him during his ministry! Then, all of a sudden, Jesus is arrested and sentenced to die a brutal death by an angry mob. The disciples witness the disintegration of everything they had hoped for right before their eyes… or so they thought. Soon, Mary Magdalene is saying that she’s seen him alive. Then, as the disciples gather behind closed doors later that day, Jesus appears to them and says “Peace be with you!” When Jesus meets his disciples after the resurrection, he continually says to them, “Peace” (John 20:19,21,26). Under these circumstances it is obvious that the term “peace” is an expectation Jesus had of the disciples (and us) and it is also extraordinarily full of meaning.
So, what does this word mean? According to the dictionary, peace is a state of tranquility or quiet, a freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, and/or harmony in personal relations. With this definition, Jesus was telling the disciples to settle down and be quiet, get rid of their negative thoughts, and work on their relationships with each other. Had that been the extent of it, Jesus would have been a fabulous motivational speaker. But it was much more than that! This probably isn’t news to you, but Jesus wasn’t speaking English when he was addressing the disciples so it’s helpful to look at what Hebrew word Jesus probably used to describe this peace. If you’ve ever visited modern-day Israel, you’ve likely heard “shalom” used as a greeting. To understand Jesus’ words, we must reflect on the many facets of this crucial Hebrew term, which lies behind the English word “peace.”
In the Biblical Theology Study Bible, Timothy Keller says, “Shalom is one of the key words and images for salvation in the Bible. The word refers most commonly to a person being uninjured and safe, whole and sound. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ: ‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’ (Colossians 1:19–20 NIV) Shalom experienced is multidimensional, complete well-being — physical, psychological, social, and spiritual; it flows from all of one’s relationships being put right — with God, with(in) oneself, and with others.” If we look back at that dictionary definition of peace, we can see the similarities. Tranquility and quiet could be tied to well-being with God, freedom from negative emotions could be tied to well-being within oneself, and harmony in relationships could be tied to well-being with others. The difference between the dictionary definition of peace and true shalom is that we can’t create it for ourselves- everything flows from our relationship being right with God. He’s the only one that can bring tranquility and peace that will spill over into every other area of our lives.
So how do we experience shalom in our lives? Here’s Timothy Keller again, “God is reconciling all things to himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20), and although he has not yet put everything right (Romans 8:19–23), those who believe the gospel enter into and experience this reconciliation. This peace is first of all peace with God through justification by faith (Romans 5:1–2). There was a barrier between God and humanity, but Jesus paid the debt and now there is peace. Jesus also brings us the peace of God — peace within. The peace of God garrisons our hearts against anxiety, difficulties, and sorrows (Philippians 4:4–7). The God of peace sanctifies us, growing us into Christlike character and maturity (1 Thessalonians 5:23; compare Galatians 5:22). Finally, Jesus brings us peace with other human beings. Our peace with and from God gives us the resources to maintain unity and love with others through continual forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:13–15).”
Friends, how many times have we settled for a superficial peace that was the result of our human actions? Sure, we might feel like we’ve gained something in the short term but to have true and sustained peace that passes all understanding, I pray that we allow God to begin to change us from the inside out and show us what it would look like to experience shalom every single day.
Erin is a speaker and leadership development professional who has been in the learning and development field for over 12 years. She has a unique ability to engage with her audience and create learning experiences that inspire change and action. She is poised, articulate and delivers her message with passion.
Erin feels that God has called her to use her professional skills to further His kingdom. She is passionate about helping people develop skills and knowledge that will empower them to answer Jesus’ call in their lives and understand how they are uniquely wired to respond to His leading. See Erin's other writings at: www.erhspeaks.com