“Shalom, my friend, Shalom” are the words of a song from my youth. In the 1960’s we sang this song with gusto and feeling. With a quick Google search I see that it is still around and even has a Youtube video!
Unfortunately, it wasn't until I had been a pastor for many years that I began to actually understand the Biblical meaning of the world “Shalom” which we often translate as “peace.” A wise professor once advised that every pastor should make word studies a part of his sermon preparation. Following that advice one day, I took to examining this little word. On that day my way of thinking changed.
I discovered that in the Old Testament, shalom or peace is the condition that results from living in the Kingdom of God. This is the time when God reigns and all of His enemies are defeated. This is the time when the paradise of Eden is restored and righteousness is fully experienced by all. When a believer says, “Peace (shalom) be with you,” he means" I want you to have all of the blessings of living in the time when God fully and completely reigns in righteousness and joy."
This time will be completely and fully upon us in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. It begins now when we enter God’s kingdom through Holy Baptism. It is made real for us by Jesus life, death and resurrection so that we may receive the blessing He won for us on the cross. Shalom is a short hand way of praying for God’s kingdom to come in all of its fullness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, send us your Spirit that He may grant to us the righteousness, peace and joy of living in your kingdom. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.
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