May Monday:

Last week I questioned how the cross, the Roman instrument of torture and execution, had become the “logo” for Christianity. I know the answer, but wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts on the matter. Laura Compton, a longtime Monday Message reader, sent an explanation straight from her heart. It’s a fantastic justification for the cross. I liked it so well that I posted it to share with all of you. Check it out:
http://www.mondaymessage-norton.blogspot.com/

Jesus: " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give." John 14:27a On Sunday mornings, many of our congregations take a moment to share the “peace.” Usually we shake hands and say, “Hi, how are you?” But what should “peace” really look like?

Shalom, which we translate as “peace,” implies three things. The first is what you might expect from peace: calmness, a sense of security, knowing that in the end everything will be all right. Therefore, worrying is unbiblical. If we have God on the throne in our lives, and we’re following in the footsteps of Jesus, nothing can derail the master plan. We may not always understand what’s going on, but if we believe God is still in charge, then everything will turn out OK.

Shalom is also a prayer for “good health.” Again, God is still on the throne. Sometimes He heals on this side, sometimes He heals on heaven’s side, but He always hears our prayers, He always answers our prayers, and everything will always be all right in the end.

The third part of shalom is a prayer for prosperity or abundance. Don’t confuse this with wealth, but believe it: God can and will provide all you need. He can drop manna into your life any time you come up a little short, often when you least expect it. If YHWH is your shepherd, then you shall not want. There will come a time in your life when all your needs are met and you just don’t need a thing. It all works out in the end.

As good as Shalom sounds, I’ve been describing “worldly” shalom. Jesus takes it to the next level. His peace is more complete, more in-depth, and stands on a more firm foundation. The character of Jesus is like God, not like the world. So when Jesus offers us peace, he says, “I do not give to you as the world gives. So do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27b We may not understand the whole thing, because Jesus is not of this world, but He has given us the peace that surpasses our understanding, the shalom of heaven.

Norton Lawellin
Monday Message is also available at
http://www.mondaymessage-norton.blogspot.com/