Over the past several weeks we have been looking at the various ways that God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture indicated by His names. Each name that God uses for Himself reveals to us an aspect of His character that helps us to know Him better.
Tonight we come to another significant name by which God reveals Himself to us. He is Jehovah-Shalom - The God of Peace.
(Judges 21:25) In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
The last verse of the book of judges tells us what kind of a time it was in Israel. It was a very difficult time in the history of God's people. As we read the book we find that due to a lack of unity and leadership, the nation fell into a cycle of apostasy - oppression - repentance - deliverance - then apostasy and the cycle repeated itself again and again.
Read: Judges 6:1-6
Tonight we find Israel under oppression by the Midianites. They were forced to hide in caves. The Midianites took all their food, tools, and livestock. It was during this time of oppression that Israel cried out for deliverance. So God called Gideon to deliver them. By faith Gideon erected an altar to Jehovah-shalom in expectation of victory and peace.
(Judges 6:24) Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
I. The Meaning of Jehovah-Shalom
A. The basic definition of the word "shalom" is a harmony or reconciliation of relationship based upon the completion of a transaction, the payment of a debt, the giving of satisfaction.
B. "Shalom" is translated peace 170 times.
C. Peace expresses the deepest desire and need of the human heart. It represents the greatest measure of contentment and satisfaction in life.
D. It is the word used in "peace offering" where blood was shed as an atonement on which reconciliation and peace were based.
II. The Person Of Jehovah Is Our Peace
A. Jehovah is sensitive to the needs and sorrows of His children.
(Exodus 3:7) And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
(Judges 10:16) And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
B. Jehovah has a desire to give us His peace.
(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
(Psalms 29:11) The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. (Isaiah 48:18) O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
C. The very presence of Jehovah is one of peace.
1. This is why Gideon asked the question in Judges 6:13.
(Judges 6:13) And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
2. There was no peace in Israel because Jehovah's presence was not there.
D. Jehovah abides with those who abide with Him.
(2 Chronicles 15:2-3) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
(Isaiah 57:20-21) But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
E. We must know Jehovah-M'Kaddesh (the Lord who sanctifies us) before we can know Jehovah-shalom, for God only gives His peace to those who are righteous before Him.
(Isaiah 26:2-4) Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
III. Jesus Is Our Jehovah-Shalom
A. Jesus is the supplier of peace to the Christian.
(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(Matthew 11:28-29) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
B. Jesus is the "Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
C. Jesus Himself provided our peace for us by His own death.
(Romans 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(Romans 5:10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
D. The measure of peace that we have in Him is determined by our sanctification and trust in Him.
(Philippians 4:6-9) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
E. The peace of God comes through spiritual mindedness.
(Romans 8:6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
F. Peace is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
There is no peace besides that which can come by way of Christ. There is no other way. Know Jesus - Know Peace -- No Jesus - No Peace. When we have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus; He becomes our Jehovah-Shalom - the One who brings the peace that passeth all understanding.