Reflections
The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Old Testament prophets called shalom. We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or cease-fire among enemies. In the Bible shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight — a rich 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.
— Cornelius Plantinga Not the Way Its supposed to Be
- Seeking Shalom; Seeking Peace; Seeking God’s Shalom for the whole
- People want peace of God, but not necessary God of Peace
- Apathy – counterfeit peace
- “didn’t care”
- “checked out”
- Gospel of Peace
- God’s agenda for the world
- Source of Peace
- rooted and re-rooted over and over at the Gospel (forgiven as child of God)
- the peace on this earth is not long lasting
- peace based on principle, on God’s Shalom
- Grace happens in a “cosmic” level
- Discipline of Peace
- pray with humbleness (v6)
- think of whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever… (v8) – talk to your heart, not listen to your heart
- doing/practice (v9) – putting into practice, put faith into action
- “Heart Practice” – a way of repeating
