Friday, August 8th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John Spencer dives into the rich biblical meaning of the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם ), showing that it’s far more than just “peace.” Drawing on insights from Eitan Bar’s Lost in Translation – 15 Hebrew Words in the Bible That Don’t Mean What You Think, John explains how shalom speaks of wholeness, restoration, and the fullness of life as God intended it. From its root letters Shin–Lamed–Mem (שׁ–ל–ם ), we discover connections to words like shalem (whole), leshalem (to restore or repay), and mushlam (perfect). John takes us through powerful Old Testament passages where shalom signifies God’s blessing and restorative power, including Numbers 6, Isaiah 9, and Psalm 122. He shows how Jesus not only spoke about shalom but embodied it—bringing physical, relational, and spiritual wholeness through His ministry, death, and resurrection. Using vivid illustrations like the Japanese art of kintsugi, John paints a picture of God’s restorative work in our lives. The episode challenges listeners to live as agents of shalom, actively pursuing reconciliation, integrity, and the flourishing of others. John closes with a blessing of shalom over listeners, encouraging them to see the word not just as a greeting but as a deep, life-giving prayer. This is more than peace—it’s the wholeness of God in every part of life.
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