Advent Day 17: Shalom
We probably use the word “peace” mostly about the absence of conflict. I.e., peace between countries, or I just need some peace and quiet. That’s certainly a valid use. But when it comes to the Kingdom of God, there’s more to the word.
As you may know, the Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. In addition to being used as a greeting and blessing—meaning prosperity and good health, it also means to be whole, as in undivided. That’s why it’s a major part of the kingdom.
In the Garden of Eden, when we disobeyed God, we became divided. It was never supposed to be that way. I’ve heard it taught before that in the fall we not only got separated from God, but we also divided against ourselves–man got turned upside down and inside out. That’s chaos. That’s hostility with God.
So when Jesus came, blessed Prince of Peace, he came to save us. And that looks like making us whole again. His blood reconciles us back to our Creator, to our Father.
Daily Reading:
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19-20
Our greatest conflict in life comes as a result of sin. Sin is death. God is only life. To be at peace is to be covered in the only thing that can make us whole and undivided. That’s the blood of Jesus.
What a gift!
As we celebrate your birth, Jesus, and prepare for your return, we cry out to be undivided. Thank you for your blood that brought us back from death, that heals our disease, that makes us whole. Glory!
Brave Sparrow 