Shalom!

What do you say when you meet someone - on the street, at work, or in class? Just a greeting? A greeting with genuine attention? Or maybe a quick, thoughtless greeting?

I find it so wonderful that the Jewish people greet each other with the words “Shalom.” Peace. That’s what I wish for you!

And of course, even this greeting can become an empty shell, a word without meaning. Everything we say or do can lose its depth if we’re not mindful and attentive. But what a beautiful greeting. Shalom, reader! I wish it for you in Jesus’ name.

First, let’s talk about Shalom

Shalom means peace, but it’s good to define that a bit. Peace, as we often define it, is the absence of war, conflict, or quarrels. Of course, that is wonderful, and if we live in that peace, we should be deeply grateful.

But Shalom has a deeper meaning. It’s not just the absence of those things I mentioned but, more importantly, the presence of Jesus in those situations. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His presence changes everything. That is Shalom.

How amazing it is to greet one another and wish that upon each other. I wish you the presence of Jesus. Him as the Prince of Peace in your life.

Go ahead, greet one another!

How wonderful it is when Shalom is at the center of your interactions, that your meeting starts and ends with that.

At the very beginning of the Gospel of Luke, there’s a passage about peace—Shalom. Peace on earth—that’s what the angels declare from heaven when Jesus is born. When Jesus, as the Risen One, appears to His disciples, He says, “Peace be with you.”

I want to emphasize something here. The verse in Luke 24 is followed by a description of the disciples’ reactions and emotions. They are confused and afraid, thinking they are seeing a ghost. We know that some doubted. Shalom?

Yes, in emotions going in all directions, amid everything going on in your life, Jesus wants to come. He greets you and says, Shalom—peace be with you. I am here, and I am with you.

Shalom!

Take the following questions with you to reflect on:

• How do you greet others?
• What place does Shalom have in your life?
• Do you experience Jesus as the Prince of Peace in your life?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You that You are the Prince of Peace, the Prince of Shalom. And thank You that You desire to be that in my life as well. Lord, there are places and situations where I experience unrest, conflict, and tension: … [name specific situations]. I ask You to come as the Prince of Shalom and bring Your peace into my heart and my life. Amen.”