Shalom!

 For Sunday, August 9, 2020.

John 14:27a NIV: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” 

Nowadays we say “hello” and “goodbye,” a greeting and a farewell, and that’s all there is to it. In Jesus’ day, they said “shalom,” and it could mean a whole lot more.

“Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning “peace,” but also implies living in harmony with others, living a full and complete life, fulfilling your life’s purpose, wishes of prosperity and wealth, that your needs would be met, and of course tranquility or peace. 

Jesus was explaining that he would be returning to the Father, but his followers would be OK. Jesus was returning to heaven to prepare a place for everyone, and we should all live in “peace” until it’s our time to join him. He left us with a big chunk of that “peace,” the peace that surpasses all understanding, and with that we’ll be OK until we enter the next reality. Jesus said so. Then he’ll be here to greet us with open arms! That will be a good day!

Shalom to all this Sabbath day! 

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406