JEHOVAH SHALOM – THE LORD IS OUR PEACE

The book of Judges tells of the days when the children of Israel were just settling into the “Promised Land.” It was after Joshua died. The surrounding people resisted the Israelites moving in. The Israelites found it difficult to always trust God and remain faithful to Him. Too often, they let their pagan neighbors lead them into idolatry and turn them away from serving the God of heaven. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jdg 21:25). From time to time, a leader—called a “judge”— would arise to call the people back to God. But before long, the Israelites would turn again to the idols of the people around them. Because of their sins, they forfeited God’s protecting care, and their neighbors often made war against the Israelites and oppressed them. Their lives were filled with anxiety, depression, suffering, both personally and as a community. There was no peace in the land!

The Midianites were nomadic people who descended from Abraham through Keturah (Gen 25:1-2). Their oppression of Israel during this period was severe. They would invade the land during harvest time, taking their crops and livestock. Israel was left in a state of economic poverty, one of the consequences of their disobedience to God. Poverty and oppression are some of God’s curses on His people who refuse to obey Him and chose to serve idols (Deut 28:47-51). The cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is evident throughout the Book of Judges. The people repented and cried to God who delivered them again and again. Even in their rebellion, God was always faithful! Selah!

Gideon was one of the judges whom God raised up to bring His people back to Him (Jdg 6:1-40). At this time, the Midianites were attacking Israel, taking their flocks and harvests, filling them with fear, suffering, and uncertainty about the future. The Israelites were hiding in caves from fear of their enemies. Gideon was threshing wheat in a secluded place, trying to keep it from being found and taken by the Midianites when the Lord appeared to him and called him to deliver His people from their tormentors. When Gideon realized that it was God speaking with him, he feared for his life. “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.’ So, Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace [Jehovah Shalom]” (Judg 6:23,24). Jehovah Shalom is one of God’s names! Selah!

God knows our pains, and He delivers us from them! It was the same when He revealed Himself to Moses by His name, I AM THAT I AM (Jehovah). “And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So, I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians” (Exo 3:7,8). At a time when there was no peace in Israel and no peace in people’s hearts, God came offering relief from their troubles. Gideon’s story is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may become, God can bring peace into our lives when we trust Him and follow His plan for us. It took Gideon a while to believe that God could really use him to deliver Israel. Their enemies, the Midianites, were much more numerous and powerful. But when Gideon placed himself in God’s hands, the Lord gave the Israelites an amazing victory over their enemies and restored peace in the land. Today, God still brings peace into troubled hearts. He is still Jehovah Shalom—the “Lord Is Our Peace.” He will bring you peace if you trust Him and obey Him. That was true for Gideon, and it is true for you today. God is Jehovah Shalom, meaning “I AM PEACE”.

In Hebrew, the word “Shalom” is a great word. It appears about 250 times in the Bible. In Greek, the same word in translated “Irene”. These words mean peace, but it is more than absence of war. It means salvation, justice, maturity, wealth, health, love, favor and friends (fellowship, community), perfection, wholeness, unity of the Spirit, and harmony between parts. Shalom belongs to the Garden of Eden. It means living a life as God’s created us to be. It means loving God and man. We are not created to live in poverty, oppression or sickness. God wants us to enjoy the fruits of His creation and the fruits of our labor. In doing that we bring glory to Him alone! Shalom! Glory!

Joash, Gideon’s father, was an Abiezrite, from a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress. This is an unusual activity, as threshing typically occurs in open spaces to allow the wind to separate grain from chaffs. The fear of the Midianite forced Gideon to hide and work in secrecy. This shows the desperation and creativity of the Israelites. The Angel of the LORD was a divine messenger, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. The angel’s presence signifies God’s direct intervention in Israel’s suffering. The Angel of the Lord speaks directly to Gideon, with divine authority. God calls and empowers the leaders in the Old Testament by a direct encounter. God’s presence with the leader is essential. In the New Testament, Jesus is our Emmanuel, God with us. The angel calls Gideoon: “O mighty man of valor or great warrior!”. It reflects God’s perspective and potential for Gideon, rather than his present reality. In the Bible God calls individuals based on His purpose and power rather than their circumstances or self-perception. It was the same as with Joseph, Moses, Joshua or David. Gideon’s initial reluctance and humility did not disqualify him from being used by God. Eventually, Gideon became the mighty warrior and champion God declared him to be! Out of his weakness, by faith, he became strong!

THE PEACE OF GOD:

*Salvation in Christ is the source of our peace. “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are covered with the righteousness of Jesus, is the greatest blessing of the peace that Jesus gives. We can never fully understand this peace, but we can experience it. God is Jehovah Shalom—the “Lord Is Our Peace.”

*There is no real peace apart from God. “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest… ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked” (Is 57:20,21). The wicked have no peace because they don’t trust Jehovah Shalom—the “God of Peace.”

*God does not promise us freedom from trouble, but He promises us His peace that will give us the ability to deal with the troubles we experience. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Jesus is victorious over sin and the troubles that sin causes. He offers us His peace!

*God’s peace frees from fear, worry and it “rules” in our hearts. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn14:27). “Let the peace of God rule (control) your hearts” (Col3:15).

*Faith in God leads to His Peace. “God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Is 26:3).

*Peace makes you strong and courageous. “Great peace have those who love Your law. And nothing causes them to stumble” (Ps119:165).

LESSONS FROM THE ENCOUNTER BETWEEN GIDEON AND JEHOVAH SHALOM

*Deliverance and victory come from God alone. Trust Him, not on your own strength or resources. Despite our rebellion, God is faithful.

*God hates and punishes idolatry with oppression and poverty.

*God Sees Potential in the Humble. Gideon was weak but “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:27).

*Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress when the angel of the Lord appeared to him. God can meet us in the most ordinary places.

*God Equips the Called. When God calls Gideon to save Israel, he doubts his ability. But God reassures him, “I will be with you” (Judg 6:16). You are never alone! God’s presence is your strength. By faith, Gideon led a small army of 300 men and defeated 135,000 Midianites.

*Small Steps of Faith Lead to Big Victories. Gideon starts his journey by tearing down his father’s altar to Baal. This small act of obedience prepares the way for greater victories. “Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much” (Lk 16:10).

*Gideon questions God about Isreal’s suffering. It’s okay to bring your doubts to God. He is patient. He will lead you to deeper faith.

*God Confirms His Word. Gideon asks for signs to confirm God’s word. God graciously provides them. God understands our needs.

*God’s Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).

*Obedience Requires strength and Courage. Gideon had to overcome the fear of men to obey God’s command to destroy the altar of Baal. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid” (Josh 1:9). Stand firm in your convictions. Fear God and not man! Obedience to God’s call is crucial. Just as God delivered Israel through Gideon, He delivers us. God’s power is enough.

*God Uses Unlikely Leaders like Gideon. “The LORD does not look at the things people look at” (1Sam 16:7). Be open to His calling, even when you feel weak! Gideon had to step out in faith to become the mighty warrior God declared him to be. Faith should lead us to action!

*Worship must be our response to God’s grace! After witnessing God’s deliverance, Gideon builds an altar and worships the Lord. Selah!

ANXIETY OR PEACE?

Medically, Anxiety is a mental health issue. It affects about 10% of all people. Anxiety is the opposite of peace. It manifests as being nervous, or fearful. Fear is specific (I fear snakes). Anxiety is more generalized (I feel worried about tomorrow). Anxiety interferes with your life. It makes you more emotional and you overreact to situations. Anxiety causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. There is an excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as your job, your money or your health. These are some symptoms of anxiety: being restless, easily distracted, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tension, cold or sweaty hands, insomnia. Anxiety is deceptive. It leads to wrong choices.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6,7). The Greek word for “anxious” (merimnao) implies being pulled in different directions. As Christians, we are called to focus our minds and hearts on God rather than being torn by worries. Jesus commands believers not to be anxious about life (Matt 6:25-34). Faith in God’s sovereignty, power, provision, protection and love brings Peace. Doubting God’s Word produces anxiety. Bring to God all your cares. Pray about everything, big or small. Have faith that God rules in every circumstance. Then give thanks to God. Thanksgiving shifts the focus from the problem to God’s provision and past faithfulness, building a spirit of contentment and peace. Bring your requests to God who is willing to hear and answer all your prayers. Prayer is a sure cure for anxiety. Trust God for His wisdom and timing in answering prayers. Prayer of faith leads to peace.

The peace of God is not just the absence of war. It is the positive presence of God’s calmness and tranquility. God is concerned about men, and He hates sin. But God is never worried. We must be like God. A heart that has peace is free from torment, noise, doubts and worries. The peace of God is not dependent on circumstances and cannot be fully grasped by the human mind. “God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours” (Isa 55:8,9). God’s peace is supernatural. It is a result of divine intervention rather than human effort. Like the walls around a city, God’s peace protects the mind (thoughts) and the heart (emotions). This peace of God is found only thru Jesus Christ! Selah!

PEACE, BE STILL! YES, JESUS CARES!

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mk 4:35-41)

It is the end of a long day. Jesus preached and healed many people. He now tells his disciples to enter the boat and to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In His public ministry, Jesus talks to the crowd in parables, but He speaks directly to His disciples. Each command of Jesus is not for their entertainment but for their teaching. Jesus tells them to cross from the Jewish side of the sea to the side where most people were Gentiles. This shows that Jesus wants to spread His Word to all people, Jews and Gentiles. Jesus initiates the journey, demonstrating His role as a leader. Suddenly, a great windstorm arose. Because it was surrounded by mountains, the Sea of Galilee was known for sudden changes in weather. The stern is the rear part of the boat, often considered a place of control and direction. Jesus being in the stern symbolizes His authority and control over the situation, even when it appears He is inactive. Jesus sleeping during a storm highlights His humanity and physical exhaustion from ministry. It also demonstrates His divine peace and trust in God’s sovereignty, contrasting with the disciples’ fear. The disciples’ decision to wake Jesus shows their desperation and lack of understanding of His divine nature. It reflects a common human tendency to seek divine intervention only when circumstances become extremely serious. The title “Teacher” acknowledges Jesus’ role as a rabbi and leader, yet the question reveals the disciples’ doubt and fear. They did not call Him “Lord”. Their plea reflects a lack of faith and understanding of Jesus’ mission and power, as the Lord of all.

“And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]” (Mk 4:39; AMP). Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea. He did not beg them. The word Jesus used was “Be muzzled!” To muzzle an animal like an ox or a dog is to place a cover over their mouths so that they cannot eat, bite or make noise. In other words, Jesus muzzled the wind like it was a mad dog. Immediately, the wind stopped moving! Praise the Lord! Jesus’ command to the wind and waves is direct and authoritative, reflecting His power over the natural world, showing that creation responds to His voice. Jesus is God, the Creator. In Genesis 1, God speaks and it comes to be. It shows the peace Jesus brings to the spiritual chaos in human lives, in His ministry of healing and deliverance. The calming of the storm is a type of Christ’s ultimate victory over chaos and evil. The immediate response of the wind and sea to Jesus’ command shows His divine nature. The phrase “great calm” indicates a complete and miraculous transformation. It shows the totality of Jesus’ power. This calmness is what Paul calls “the peace that passes human understanding” (Phil 4:7). The calming of the storm is a sign to the disciples. Their faith is increased. They discover Jesus’ true identity, not only as their teacher but as the Messiah, Jehovah Elohim and Jehovah Shalom! Glory to God!

Jesus asked His disciples: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”. Fear is the natural response to danger. Jesus said that fear must be rejected because He was in the same boat with them. Faith drives away fear. The disciples have heard Jesus’ teaching and have already witnessed the miracles that He has performed. But during the storm, they forgot what they knew about Jesus, the miracles that He has done. They forgot that Jesus said: “Let us cross over to the other side”. Therefore, they cannot die before the other side. The disciples’ fear of dying in the storm, is now replaced with the holy fear of God. The disciples asked themselves: “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Jesus stopped the storm outside by His Word. The storm in the boat must end by faith in Christ. They struggle to see Jesus not just as a teacher but as the Son of God, the Prince of Peace. He alone can bring peace into the trials of life. Glory!

LESSONS FROM PEACE IN THE STORM

*Jesus is the Leader. The disciples trust Him. They “took Jesus along in the boat”. Trust His guidance even when the path seems uncertain.

*In the middle of the sea, a storm comes. A trial may be a test of your faith. Like with Jonah, some storms come because of disobedience.

*The crossing to the other side symbolizes spiritual transitions. Be open to the new directions as God may lead us to higher faith!

*Following Jesus means that sometimes we must leave behind “the crowd”, our comfort zone of friends and family.

*Jesus models perfect peace amidst chaos. Seek His peace through prayer, scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

*Spiritually, storms mean chaos, anxiety and trials of faith. The waves beat into the boat. That means judgment like during the time of Noah. The boat represents the church or the individual believers during life’s storms. It is a place of safety and also vulnerability. Faith in Jesus and in His love and power is vital, especially during the storms of life. The storm is the background for Jesus to display His total sovereignty, authority and control over creation, nature and people.

*Jesus was sleeping in the storm. He is 100% Man. God’s silence in your distress is not His inability or lack of desire to meet your needs.

*The storm did not wake Jesus! But immediately the disciples cried, like a mother and her baby, Jesus woke up! He hears our prayers!

*During storms of life, we struggle to move on. Why? In good times we feel safe, we tend to indulge in sin and rely upon our circumstances instead of the Lord. Or we struggle in hard times because we forget God’s goodness in the middle of the storms.

*The disciples wanted Jesus to come and help them. Their strategy only “helped” their boat! Jesus Helped all the boats on that Sea!

*Jesus rebuked them because the disciples did not have faith in His word: “Let us cross over to the other side”. Jesus is in control!

*In this story, we see the great contrast between man’s fear and the calmness and peace of Jesus. We must be calm like Jesus! Jesus was with the disciples in the boat, just as He is with us in our trials. His presence provides comfort and assurance. In times of trouble, turning to God in prayer and seeking His help is a vital response, as demonstrated by the disciples’ eventual plea for help. Just as Jesus brought peace to the stormy sea, He offers peace in our hearts amidst life’s challenges. In the name of Jesus, we have the authority to stop the wind and the waves of sickness and crisis because they recognize the voice of their creator. Faith in Jesus as God, the Creator is essential to mature as a Christian. Doubt and unbelief are strongholds difficult to destroy. It takes faith and perseverance to bring them down. By the Word of God and prayer, fear must be brought down and replaced with Faith. Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth. We must trust Jesus as our creator, teacher, savior, Lord, protector, provider and Helper in all situations. Somebody said: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I am not feeling it. I believe in God even when God is silent”. Let God calm your fears and handle your circumstances. Worship the Lord!