Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. John 20:19-20
εἰρήνη
eirēnē (Greek)
ā-rā’-nā
- a state of national tranquillity
- exemption from the rage and havoc of war
- peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
- security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
- of the Messiah’s peace
- the way that leads to peace (salvation)
- of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
- the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
“Peace” in nearly every dialect of Aramaic is “Shlamah”.
In Jewish Aramaic,
שלמה
Northwest Semitic: Ancient Aramaic:
ܫܠܡ
Hebrew:
שָׁלוֹם
shalowm
- safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly
- also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace:—× do, familiar, × fare, favour, friend, × great, (good) health, (× perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (× all is, be) well, × wholly
- completeness (in number)
- safety, soundness (in body)
- welfare, health, prosperity
- peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment
- peace, friendship
- of human relationships
- with God especially in covenant relationship
- peace (from war)
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When we think of peace, we usually limit the meaning to calm, tranquil, quiet, stillness of one’s soul. Yet, in looking through the myriad of meanings, I am gaining a whole new perspective on what Jesus blesses us with when He says, “Peace be unto you.” He wishes health and prosperity, happiness and harmony, rest and reconciliation, welfare and well-being, kindness, wholeness, friendliness, safety, just every type of good. Every blessing which is of Christ is for us through Him.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
“When our LORD speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always ‘spirit, and they are life’ (John 6:63). Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? “…My peace I give to you…”—a peace that comes from looking into His face and fully understanding and receiving His quiet contentment.'” Oswald Chambers *
…looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:2
Jesus walked in obedience to His Father. He endured the worst possible path, yet rests duly by His Father, knowing the Peace, the Love, the Grace that can only come from the Father.
I reflect. I see more clearly that obedience to my Father is my way to His Peace. I may endure harsh realities or uncomfortable situations, but when walking with Jesus as He wills me to do, I am united with my LORD. His gifts of simplicity, clarity, unity are born through the Holy Spirit and not through my desires.
You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
and my feet did not slip. Psalm 18:36
I have peace in my steps for I have confidence in the life I have with Christ.
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, ‘Destroy!’
Then Israel shall dwell in safety,
The fountain of Jacob alone,
In a land of grain and new wine;
His heavens shall also drop dew. Deuteronomy 33:27-28
His arms hold me. His support, comfort, strength, and provision are pieces of this peace that I am searching for. My LORD is this peace in all ways.
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1:17-18
He touches me. He tells me to not be afraid. I can rest in Him for He is my Salvation, my assurance, and the tenderness that I seek.
Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.
Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,….
Isaiah 32:15-18
Oh, that I could live and walk in Your ways, O LORD. But I am me. I fail and fall. I crumble under stress at times. I belittle myself. I am not perfect here upon this earth. Yet my desire is to be obedient. Holy Spirit, continually guide me in the ways that I should go. Be near. I want to know this peace that is You.
I pray peace for this world, for this country, Father. We are so in need of Your peace now. People are torn asunder by storms, war, fear, drugs, divorce, so many other reasons. May we each and all walk in obedience to You, only You. This seems like an impossible request, but nothing is impossible for You. I ask You to turn all hearts to You. One day soon, before it is too late, may Your peace rain upon us and reign in our hearts, my Father. In the Name of the Prince of Peace, I pray. Amen.
*from 8/26 devotional “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers
