This morning as I began to talk to my brother I heard greet him a Shalom Blessing. I'm like Shalom means hello or goodbye. However, it gets me to thinking of my time in Israel in 2011. Reminds me of how the Jewish culture is so rich with purpose. There are over 100 references to Shalom in Scriptures. Here are a few:
Shalom in Scriptures
Judges 6:24
“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom.” (KJV)
Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and named it The LORD is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah, of the Abiezrites. (Amplified)
Isaiah 66:12
For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees.(ESV)
1 John 4:16-18
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.(ESV)
Gideon was greeted by Lord. Called unto service. When he was greeted it wasnt with just any part of God it was the Lord of Peace. We as God's people couldn't handle the full manifestation of God which is why it is only reveals to the necessary portions of himself. In Gideons case he needed Jehovah-shalom the Lord of peace. Gideon was a great warrior and God knew what portions of him was most important to Gideon. The Lord knew there would be times Gideon needed rest and he would need the peace of God to settle him. Warrior or not God's peace brings peace that surpasses our own understanding. It comforts, provide and guide for just a few things. It brings assurance that everything would be okay. You could say the Lord Branded Gideon with what matter most for him to be effective in the earth. To complete his perfect work of the Lord.
My question to you what has God greeted/branded you with. Are you walking in it? Are you giving it back to him just as quickly as he gave it unto you. God loves a freely and cheerful giver. God loves us to demonstrate what he has already freely given unto us.
I know when we greet someone with the word Shalom we usually say “hello” and when we leave we usually say Shalom “goodbye.” It really has no deep or profound meaning or purpose behind it.
But Shalom is more than a gesture of greeting its a blessing that reminds us that the God of Peace of our lives is with us.
In Israel, when you greet someone or say goodbye the word is “Shalom.” “Shalom” is much more than a casual social greeting it is a prayer, a blessing, a deep desire, and a benediction. It is a word that is packed with the full blessing of God. In Hebrew, the word has many significant.
May you be blessed as you read this Shalom Blessing unto YOU!
May you be whole in body, soul, and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God’s will and purpose for your life.
May His peace be your covering, your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know a victory over every enemy.
May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart.
May you know the healing power of His presence, and the restoration of every broken relationship. His sufficiency, may every need that you face be met by His limitless resources.
May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family.
May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.
SHALOM SHALOM
Apostle Zolisha L Ware
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