Give Peace a Chance
“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God …”
Do you ever long to be at peace, to have a deep sense as Julian of Norwich once prayed that: “all is well and all matter of things shall be well”? We cannot deny the reality that surrounds us any more than we should escape into naïve assumptions. God calls us to face the world and those who surround us with eyes wide open, with hearts simultaneously realistic and compassionate. That is exactly what Romans attempts to do. Paul’s carefully crafted letter provides us with very helpful guidance, particularly with the passage above (experience the sermon on our FBCD website from May 14, 2023 for the full story!).
However, this exploration of biblical peace in Romans is a small part of the larger journey for the biblical peace our forebears longed for as well. Hear Isaiah’s vision that New Testament writers like Paul and countless early Christians claimed in Jesus:
“And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
Shalom: Paul’s use of the word “peace” in Romans implicitly references this concept from Isaiah. The prophet here uses the word Shalom. This well-known Hebrew word, is fascinating. Shalom means “peace.” It can be a greeting or a farewell. It can refer to inner peace or outer peace. It might refer to peace with God, peace with neighbor, and peace with oneself. It can be used as a noun or a verb. The breadth and depth of the word is virtually limitless, as is the very concept of biblical peace. Like a finely cut diamond turning in the light, this Shalom, this biblical peace, sparkles regardless of the facet we see. Each has its own value, its own place, its own necessity.
What God offers to us and asks from us is that we seek this kind of peace and live this kind of peace. Whether in greeting or goodbyes, we can wish for ourselves and those around us this invaluable gift – for our world so desperately needs it: Shalom. Be aware of it in yourself; be conscious of it in the lives of others. Seek to give it, to spread it, to cultivate it whenever and wherever you can. And in doing so, your life will be richer – and so will those around you!
“All we are saying: Give peace a chance.”
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
Dona nobis pacem (“Give us peace”)
Love,
David
David Jordan
Senior Pastor