Shalom,
Those of you who’ve traveled to Israel know that saying “Shalom” is the primary way Israeli’s (even secular Israeli’s) extend their greetings, their hello. I find this custom particularly significant because the New Testament Narrative tells us that shortly after the Crucifixion the disciples were gathered together in a secluded room, confused, distressed and anxious.
Look with me to Matthew’s account in John 20 from the Complete Jewish New Testament
19 In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came, stood in the middle and said, “Shalom aleikhem!” 20 Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord. 21 “Shalom aleikhem!” Yeshua repeated. “Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you.”
Yeshua / Jesus met with his disciples at their point of need.
Right there in the midst of their storm, in the middle of their confusion, struggle and fear He shows up saying Shalom Aleikhem!
Shalom Aleikhem means “Peace be upon you”
That was the Lord’s message to His disciples then, and that still is His message to His disciples today.
God is still in control He has not left us comfortless
We can trust him as we walk us through our current challenges. He’s not given us a spirit of fear.
Listen, He still comes to us in the midst of our struggle, fear and anxiety and declares over us His Shalom, His peace that surpasses all understanding.