Shifting atmospheres - the Kingdom of peace
God's sons and daughters, made in His image, have a mandate from Him to fill and rule the earth - establish His Kingdom, where Jesus is the King. The earth is our domain, but it is also to where God banished Satan after His rebellion in Heaven. So the battleground is on the earth! We overcome and enforce the rule of God in our lives and in the areas of our influence.
A key aspect of this ruling is in the area of reconciliation and restoration - of all things - by presenting Jesus. It is in this position that God gives to each of us gifts to use and dreams to fulfill.
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God"
Shalom, usually translated 'peace', is one of the great words of the OT. Occurs 350 times.
Root meaning is to be whole, sound and safe - fundamental idea is one of totality.
The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets call shalom.
"Universal flourishing, wholeness and delight – a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights".
Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.
God's plan is to bring a universal 'shalom' to his creation. This is vastly more than the absence of conflict and immensely more than inner peace or peace of mind - these are shallow reflections of what God means when He uses the word shalom. It carries a sense of harmony, right relationship and proper functioning of all elements in the environment. This is how planted the Garden of Eden and placed humankind within it before our rebellion, and it is the state in which it will be returned when Jesus presents the Kingdom to His Father at the end of the age.
Shalom is not about being but a collective well-being. Everything within us and around us is well, fruitful and blessed.
Is 9: 6-9
Clear link in OT of shalom with God's reign. Hence a strong basis for peace being foundational in the Kingdom of God which Jesus declared and initiated.
He is the God of peace!
Romans 14:17
As believers we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. He is our peace.
Eph 2:14
He has destroyed the barrier between God, and us and between ourselves, whatever our gender, ethnicity, culture etc. We are now one body in Christ and our identity is this. Reconciliation means making peace, under the Lordship of Jesus, of everything in heaven and earth. This results in balance, harmony and well-being throughout the whole created order. We do not yet see this in anything like its fullness yet to come - but when this is complete King Jesus will present the Kingdom to His Father.
The Church is, in this sense, the Kingdom breaking through out of a community of believers where shalom is the trademark. If balance and harmony does not exist then it is not a true representation of Christ. Shalom is both the goal of the Kingdom and the present experience of the community of Jesus' disciples.
He is the God of peace and we are peacemakers!
Note: Jesus said that it's not always possible to see peace established in the community because He is the Prince of Peace in a violent world - and introducing Him into a deeply-rooted demonic atmosphere can bring an aggressive reaction. His coming into a situation may bring division:
Luke 12:51
But:
Rom 16:12 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet!!
How do we create an atmosphere of peace?
Colossians 3:15
Philippians 4:7
Romans 14:19
Heb 12:14
James 3:17
What are the hallmarks of a 'shalom' community of believers?
1. healing, wholeness and well being
2. physical needs met
3. community of safe relationships and lack of hostility - one of valuing and honouring
4. joy
5. justice being displayed and promoted
6. a reconciled and reconciling community
How do we make a shift in atmosphere's?
Luke 10
1. carry peace and deposit where it is received - you have the power to release it and withdraw it
2. be a peacemaker - your presence can help to create a Godly atmosphere in all settings that you live.
Release peace of God in your own home, when you enter other homes, workplaces, shops, gyms, restaurants etc
I am a believer but I don't know this peace -
1. work to create an atmosphere of peace internally - in your whole being - establish well-being. Then you will be able to release it in your areas of influence. Daily read out loud these scriptures and receive them.
2. Prayer now and on-going.
