This year, peace seems to be a bit more elusive for sure. As we look around us, we can see chaos, unrest, division, and even animosity. All of these things are in opposition to peace.
But Jesus came… here… to earth… to bring us peace. He is the Prince of Peace, as described in Isa 9:6. This year peace has a different connotation. Peace from above, is different than the world tries to offer. Peace, as defined in the Bible, has a few different original words that were translated into English. One of these words is “shalom”. This shalom peace is offered as a greeting between Jewish people. This shalom peace is defined as a cellular peace, something that penetrates us physically, and grants peace deep within our flesh. This Shalom Peace is also defined as “not an absence of war, but a presence of Justice”. This peace is what Jesus came to bring us, and this peace is what He is to us. Our part in this is receiving.
As we read the very next verse in Isaiah, verse 7, there is more to learn about this shalom peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
There will be no end to the increase of His peace. He will establish His government and peace, uphold it with justice and righteousness forever! And His mighty angels will accomplish this. Our part, again, is to receive.
To receive is sometimes hard for people and that verse, “… it is better to give than to receive” can sometimes be misused. If we were all givers, who would be recipients? We are called to receive from the Lord, as well as from each other. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and peace is something that the Lord wants you to have. He gave it to us in Jn 14:27. What is it that you are holding tightly to this season? What would loosening your grip on that thing look like? What if that is what is needed, to be able to receive the peace God has for you?
Pamela Mertz
ACC, Coach Presenter Director