Peace
Our theme for the month of March is PEACE. Peace is the state of tranquility or serenity. Peace is the freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety or an obsession. Peace can also be a state of mutual harmony between people or groups especially referring to personal relationships. But is this really all that peace is…a state of mind, a freedom from the difficult things of this world? So how do you find this peace of mind, how do you get your mind free from distraction, how do you move through challenges and sorrows to a place of peace?
“The biblical concept of peace is larger than that and rests heavily on the Hebrew root “slm”, which means “to be complete” or “to be sound.” The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning”to be complete or whole” or “to live well.” The noun had many nuances, but can be grouped into four categories: (1) shalom as wholeness of life or body (i.e., health); (2) shalom as right relationship or harmony between two parties or people, often established by a covenant (see “covenant of peace” in Num 25:12-13 ; Isa 54:10 ; Ezek 34:25-26 ) and, when related to Yahweh, the covenant was renewed or maintained with a “peace offering”; (3) shalom as prosperity, success, or fulfillment (see Lev 26:3-9 ); and (4) shalom as victory over one’s enemies or absence of war. Shalom was used in both greetings and farewells. It was meant to act as a blessing on the one to whom it was spoken: “May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory.” As an adjective, it expressed completeness and safety. In the New Testament, the Greek word “eirene” is the word most often translated by the word “peace.” Although there is some overlap in their meanings, the Hebrew word salom-(shalom) is broader in its usage, and, in fact, has greatly influenced the New Testament’s use of “eirene”. God alone is the source of peace, for he is “Yahweh Shalom” (see Judges 6:24 ). The Lord came to sinful humankind, historically first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, desiring to enter into a relationship with them. He established with them a covenant of peace, which was sealed with his presence (see Num 6:24-26 ). Participants were given perfect peace (salom salom [l’vl’v]) so long as they maintained a right relationship with the Lord (see Isa 26:3; 2 Thess 3:16).
The Old Testament anticipated, and the New Testament confirmed, that God’s peace would be mediated through a messiah (see Isa 9:6-7; Micah 5:4-5). Peace with God came through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1; Eph 2:14-17; Col 1:19-20; see Heb 13:20). Peter declared to Cornelius: “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).” http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/peace/ www.biblehub.com/hebrew/7965
The New Testament speaks about peace and lets us know that the peace that comes from God is more than a state of mind. Peace is completeness and contentment with God in a covenant relationship. God’s peace surpasses all understanding. God’s peace can come in the midst of chaotic circumstances. God’s peace can help us weather the storms of our life. God’s peace is available to all who know Him and who ask and pray.
John 14:27 Jesus says, “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 20:21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Matthew 5:9 Jesus proclaimed in the sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Peter 3:11 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. For more verses on peace go to http://www.topverses.com/about/peace.
This Easter season, as you are spending time with family and friends meditate on peace. What brings you peace? How do you find peace when you are anxious and fretting and concerned about your day to day life. Peace does not take away the trials in our lives, but it does help us handle those difficulties with a sense of knowing that somehow we are going to get through the storm.