Devotion - Tuesday, April 13

Jesus’ greeting to the disciples is “Peace.” He speaks this word to them after his resurrection; he speaks to them of peace during his farewell discourses. In John 14:18ff he says to them, “My peace I give you, not as the world gives do I give to you.”

The English word “Peace” has become so associated with the absence of war that we may fail to understand why this peace would be such a gift. “Shalom,” the Hebrew word for peace means so much more than absence. It is an expression of the hope that every aspect of one’s life is in good standing. This includes one’s relationship with neighbors, but it also refers to one’s own household, to one’s financial matters, and to one’s spiritual mood. Furthermore, in speaking of shalom to another, the speaker is pledging themselves to help bring shalom where it is missing. In other words, when I say “Peace be with you,” it is an open invitation for you to tell me where peace is missing and how I might help it be restored.

Jesus speaks to his disciples of peace, of shalom. He speaks to every aspect of their lives. He extends his hope that all is well in their relationships and in their spirit. He tells them that he is going to all within his power to bring shalom into their lives.

And this he does. He dies on the cross so that our fears will be set aside. He offers himself so that we might see the way to God. Jesus speaks of shalom and he works to bring it about.

The peace of God is no small thing. It is not limited in any way. And it is freely available to all those who listen to his voice and accept his words. His peace is ours – not merely the peace as given by the world, but the peace which comes from God.