Hello Beloved,
As we move into the Fall season, our study of God’s names takes us to the God who is Yahweh-Shalom. This name comes from the compound “Yahweh” and “shalom.,” which connects the covenant name of God with the concept of peace. “Shalom” in the Old Testament also carries the connotation of wholeness, unity, and harmony, inferring something is complete and sound. One may consider “shalom” in relation to a person by expressing blessing for mental and emotional peace, good health, security, and personal fulfillment. In regard to person-to-person relationships, one could infer that “shalom” expresses harmony and an absence of contention and strife. “Yahweh-Shalom” means “the Lord our peace.” From a Biblical perspective, disobedience to God will disrupt peace. Isaiah states, “But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace,” says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” Isaiah 57:20-21 (ESV) On the flip side, the Bible communicates that obedience brings peace. Isaiah communicates elsewhere, “Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18 (ESV) Further, peace accompanies righteousness. James teaches, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:18 (ESV)
The name of Yahweh-Shalom is found in Judges 6:24. In the context of this passage, the reader finds the nation of Israel in a state of travail and chaos. The enemies of God’s people, the Midianites, had been allowed by God to infiltrate the nation of Israel and cause problems of hunger, discouragement, and stolen resources. The reason for God’s allowance is directly connected to Israel’s disobedience to God’s commands. The problem of Israel was not primarily political, social, or financial, though many would have said that was the case. Israel’s problem was spiritual. In response to the Midianite discipline of Israel, the people cried out to the Lord for deliverance, and He responded by sending an angel to Gideon. After the Lord revealed Himself in a mighty way through this angel, Gideon “built an altar there to the LORD and called it, The LORD Is Peace (Yahweh-Shalom).” Judges 6:24 (ESV) After experiencing the presence of God, Gideon found that peace was near.
The secret to shalom is not always a change in circumstances but a trust in God and a knowledge of His nearness. Jesus stated, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) It seems like tragedy, chaos, and devastation are all over the news. However, whether considering a volcano erupting on a Spanish island, the return of the Taliban to authority in Afghanistan, the inflation rate which is well over 5%, or the continuous legality of abortions in our nation, one can experience the “shalom” of “Yahweh.” Isaiah reminds his reader, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) Paul helps the child of God to understand that the “shalom” of “Yahweh” is all about mindset. He states, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
Tony Evans illustrates this point claiming,
When the right mindset is followed up with the appropriate action, peace is the outcome (Leviticus 26:3,6; Isaiah 48:18). During daylight savings time, you reset your clock one hour forward. When you turn your clock back one hour in the fall, you wind up with an extra hour of sleep. You don’t have to get up as early as you would have if you had kept the same time. In order to access and enjoy this additional hour of sleep, though, you have to choose to reset your clock. The mind set on the Spirit—that which seeks to align your thoughts underneath God’s point of view—is the mind full of peace. You must set your mind there, as Paul states, or the alarm of life will jolt you up at the wrong time. Choosing where to set your mind, just like choosing when to set your clock, will determine your response. A mind set on God’s presence, just as Gideon’s was, brings life and peace— shalom. But the mind set on the flesh is set on death. Death is ultimately a separation from God. So the mind set on the human point of view (the world’s perspective) is a carnal mind. It’s a mind that doesn’t bring peace. (Evans, The Power of God’s Names)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
(Material for this newsletter article are taken from the notes of Jim Smith,
Professor of Bible and Theology at Brookes Bible College.)