Jehovah-shalom

“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: [the Lord is peace] unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.” - Judges 6v24

Gideon was much troubled about the task to which God had called him. He could not believe that God was actually going to use him to deliver the nation of Israel from the Midianites. After all, they were a mighty nation and Israel was living in caves and hollows throughout the land. Yet, God had a job for him to do.

The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon again and said, “Peace be unto you, do not be afraid, you will not die.”

God knows man’s natural inclination to fear the unknown and to be afraid of new and difficult tasks. He is not insensitive to that inclination. Over and over in His word He gives precious words of comfort to His servants. One of the phrases He uses most is “Peace be unto you.”

Many believe that the Angel of the Lord is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. If so this term certainly suits. Several times Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you” when their hearts were troubled. I am grateful that God is the God of all peace. He offers the peace that passes all understanding. He offers a peace that the world cannot offer. He is the God of all peace, not of some man-made peace that fails over and over again. His peace, and His perfect peace along can keep my heart and mind stayed on Him every single day no matter what my circumstances because He is peace!

Praise the Lord that He is Jehovah-Shalom, who will give me the peace that will keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus!