In Israel, Jewish people greet each other with the words “shalom, shalom”. Unlike the English word “peace”, “shalom” does not just mean peace of mind, but also wholeness for your entire being—spirit, soul and body. It means having a sense of completeness and soundness. In other words, shalom encompasses your provision, health and total well-being.
A few years ago, my company hosted a team building event at an outdoor camp retreat. We participated in various activities like low ropes, which consisted of walking on ropes a foot off the ground, walking on logs without touching the ground while helping team members make it to and end zone. We walked on high ropes which consisted of walking on ropes 30ft. off the ground while harnessed to lines in trees. The purpose of these exercises was to encourage your team members, learn to work better together by communicating and ensuring every member made it to the finish.
The camp was a Jewish camp that had been offering camp opportunities for youth and corporate events for years. Upon pulling into the parking lot, I could not miss the 10ft. tall hand painted sign that said Shalom. Shalom was written on doors and hung in cabin windows throughout the camp.
When Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 14:27, He used the Hebrew word “shalom” – “Shalom I leave with you, My shalom I give to you. Jesus was bequeathing his peace on them. To receive Jesus’ shalom was more than just peace, it was to have His health because He was never sick. It meant there was no lack of money or food (Matthew 17:24–27). Jesus met the needs of thousands with plenty leftover (Mark 6:34–44). When Jesus gave his Shalom to the disciples, He was meeting all their needs.
Jesus wanted His disciples to know that His peace was different from the peace that the world offers. His peace would change whatever trying circumstances that came against them.
Whatever challenge you are facing, must bow down to Jesus’ peace. Think about that. It MUST bow down. When Jesus spoke “Peace, be still” wind and sea obeyed Him (Mark 4:39). The storm became calm. When we speak Jesus’ peace over a situation it must bow down and be calm.
Because the same peace that was in Jesus resides in each of us, we can be assured that we have wholeness for our spirit, soul and body.
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