Peace Be Still

In Luke 8:22-24 we read of Jesus and his followers journeying in a boat on the sea of Galilee. Jesus fell asleep in the boat and a storm arose. The followers, several of whom grew up sailing and fishing on that sea, grew scared and afraid. Their eyes were on the dark skies and on the mighty waves and on the strong wind. Jesus slept.

How could their master sleep while they were certain they were going to die? The experts and the circumstances were screaming that they were about to perish. Jesus awoke at their cries and rebuked the winds and the waves until there was a calm around the boat. Mark 4:39 adds the words of Jesus to this account.  Jesus simply said “Peace, be still.” Jesus exuded the peace of God the Father and the circumstances changed.

Isaiah 9:5 teaches that the Messiah would be called the Prince of Peace. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom.  Shalom is a very deep concept in the Hebrew culture and refers to perfect wholeness not just freedom from conflict. Shalom is a manifestation of divine grace and meets every need we may have from the infinite supply of the Lord God. Shalom is one of the core characteristics of the Lord God and is so vital that the very name of the Messiah is Prince of Peace. He leads us into His peace if we follow Him.

John 14:27 records the words of Jesus at the culmination of the Last Supper.  He said, “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.” These words still keep us safe in the midst of our storms today.

Jesus could sleep in the boat in the middle of the storm while the experts all insisted their demise was imminent because He dwelt in the peace of God. Dwell in that peace today.  Follow Jesus into the peace of God that He provides right now. Sleep in your boat refusing to listen to the wind blow, the waves crash, the thunder roll, or even the experts expound. Breathe in the goodness and the love of God our Father until you reach the presence of the Prince of Peace.  Dwell with him and you will find strength for the journey.

Shalom!