Jehovah Shalom

Today's Verse:

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. ~Judges 6:24

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“Shalom” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” Jewish people greet one another with the expression “shalom.” Most people desire peace. They want to be at peace with other people. They want peace in their sleep. They want peace instead of worry. They want peace and safety in their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and the world. Matthew Henry said, “Safety consists not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God. Peace that Jesus gives is not the absence of trouble but is rather the confidence that He is there with you always. Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.” Our starting point for peace must be with the Author of peace—Jehovah Shalom, or the Lord our peace. 

We see restlessness. 

“And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.” Gideon was overcome with fear, restlessness, and worry because he realized he was in the presence of God. We should be bothered and restless if we have not been in God’s presence even for a day. We should be bothered and restless when we have not seen God work in our life and the fire of revival has not been burning in our heart. Let us not get used to being out of God’s presence, but long to draw near unto Him. 

We see the revelation. 

“And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.” There is God’s Word when we are scared. God, in His love for Gideon, gave him a sweet and comforting message: "Peace be unto thee." When the disciples were caught in a tumultuous storm on the Sea of Galilee and thought the worst concerning their fate, our Lord Jesus spoke the words, “Peace be still,” and the storm was over. When the fearful disciples hid themselves in an upper room, our resurrected Lord Jesus came to them, and the first words out of His mouth were, “Peace be unto you.” Then, there is God’s work when we are scared. He further told Gideon, “Fear not: thou shalt not die.” Gideon had an unforgettable revelation from God! 

We see the relationship.

“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” God’s peace became real in Gideon’s life. He gave that location a name of preeminence. He called it “the Lord my peace.” We have peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We have the peace of God when we come to Him as His children in prayer for all cares and concerns. Gideon had perfect peace because, at that very moment, his mind was stayed on the Lord through his trust in Him. One characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. This peace is attainable only through a right relationship with our Lord. The magnitude of our peace is a function of our relationship with God. 

We see the responsibility. 

“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD.” An altar was a place of worship, sacrifice, and prayer. In order for the peace of God to be at work in our life, we must make sure that we are walking with the Lord in His Word, prayer, and service. Be sure your altar has daily cleansing and fresh worship of God. Only then can we be assured that “the Lord my peace” is present.  

Do you know “the Lord my peace”? Is God’s peace abounding in you?  

Have a peace-filled God Morning! 

Reading Schedule: Psalm 9-16

#Judges #Lord #Peace