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Perfect Peace



The Bible has much to say about peace. The focus of my reading this morning was Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You - in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Amplified Bible

 What is rendered 'perfect and constant peace' in the AMP is actually 'shalom shalom' in Hebrew. The following comment from Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible sums it up succinctly:

 The word "perfect" is not in the Hebrew text, it is there "peace, peace"; which is doubled to denote the certainty of it, the enjoyment of it, and the constancy and continuance of it; and as expressive of all sorts of peace, which God grants unto his people, and keeps for them, and them in; as peace with God and peace with men, peace outward and peace inward, peace here and peace hereafter; and particularly it denotes the abundance of peace that believers will have in the kingdom of Christ in the latter day.

 'Shalom' means more than just peace. 

 Strong's concordance gives the following definition: completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. 

 How precious and necessary to have a double portion of 'shalom' in a world which appears to be spiraling out of control! Unrest and violence escalate daily in the Middle East and now on our European doorstep with the influx of thousands of migrants, among them numerous ISIS jihadists. Peace is far from ISIS agenda, much to the horror of our civilized senses, as we look on aghast at the atrocities carried out in the name of their god. The world has become a dangerous place, yet Jesus reminded his disciples not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28). In other words, if we are not right with God and have never received His forgiveness, a worse punishment awaits us than being murdered on earth. Strong words, but true! Today is the day of salvation! Today God offers His grace and mercy to the repentant heart.

 The Christian's eyes are to be fixed on YHWH and we must take refuge in Him. It's the safest place to be in this hostile world. Let us look to Him with a steadfast mind and remember Who He is and what He has done for us. Only this deliberate act will bring us true and lasting peace. Only His presence will sustain us in uncertain times and make us long for the return of our Messiah. Maranatha!




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