The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance on you, and give you shalom. Numbers 6:24-26

Shalom is the last word in this priestly blessing. It is written on a fragment of the oldest biblical text in existence. You probably know it well from the many benedictions that have been spoken over you from the pulpit. It is beautiful but perhaps more beautiful than we even know.

The first time this word is used is in a passage talking about death. “You shall go to your fathers in shalom, you will be buried at a good old age.” (Genesis 15:15) God wants us to know that it is possible to die in a state of ‘shalom’. Peace. Everything settled in our hearts even though we leave behind some places of heartache that haven’t yet seen God’s intervention. There is peace because we rest in His power and sovereignty. He also died with many loose ends relationally.

In Isaiah 45:7, God says that He is the one “forming light and creating darkness, causing shalom and creating calamity.” Shalom not only means peace but something that has been completed, something that is made whole. God can stir up storms and bring instant calm.

But the greatest shalom is one fulfilled in the New Testament. It is the peace Jesus made with His Father on our behalf. We were once enemies but now are beloved children. The great fracture in our relationship, brought about by Adam and Eve, was catastrophic and felt throughout the ages. Man does not deal with the alienation he feels deep in his soul. He acts out. Self-condemnation and shame bring futility and mankind acts out without restraint. But Jesus healed the fracture for any who will accept His terms of reconciliation.

Today, if I am in Christ, there is not a trace of the old divide. There is not a shadow of the fracture. A repaired piece of china will still reveal traces of where it broke in two. Not so with the Shalom Jesus offers. Wholeness and healing restore paradise.

If there is a place internally where shalom does not exist, I can seek Your face and You promise to provide it. I will be pro-active and believe Your promises. Amen