OF FAITH AND FABLES

By Bob Haynes

Otra Dia Otra Aventura- Shalom!

 

Another Day, another Adventure…Shalom! That’s the message for all of us here in Mexico as we find ourselves immersed in a New Year with new wonders awaiting us. Those expectations of good things to come should also remind us of the importance of being connected with God and living a life filled with faith and joy.

I have been asked many times why I use the word “Shalom” to end each of my columns. Because the full extent of the meaning of that word takes a while to explain, I haven’t dedicated any part of a column to explain my purpose, until now.

Since 2010 is a new beginning for all of us I wanted to spend a few minutes with you to try to “unpack” the full meaning of the word Shalom! Most of us know that it first means “Peace.” But that’s just a small part of its entire meaning.

Shalom also is a blessing given to all who use the term in communication with others. When you use that term (at least in my definition) you mean to wish them completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony and the absence of agitation or discord.

A program host on a Christian Radio program once said: “No wonder the Jewish people are so blessed, because every time they say Shalom to one another, they are also allowing the full meaning of SHALOM to be pronounced over them. He then humorously proceeded to say that this greeting word would be much more beneficial to the American people if they greeted each other with SHALOM instead of their usual “Hi” or “Howdy” greeting.”

Mr. David Silver provided these definitions of the word Shalom. The root verb Shalom means “to be complete, perfect and full.” In Modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means “to pay for”, and Shulam means “to be fully paid.”

SAR SHALOM (Prince of Peace) is one of the descriptive names the Bible uses to indicate the ministry and personality of the Messiah: Isaiah 9:6 - The Son of God is completely perfect in all things.

So in essence, when you speak out the word SHALOM - you are not only proclaiming peace, but all the meanings of the word over that person - and that’s a mighty big blessing! Remember what the word of God says - “There is life or death in the power of the tongue.” I suspect that applies to the written word as well.

To all of you who have been so kind as to respond about how you enjoy the Fables and Faith articles, I want you to know how blessed I have been for the opportunity. In the months to come in this year of 2010, we can look toward the future knowing that what God has in store for us will be another day, another adventure surrounded in Shalom. In Numbers 6:24-26 we read these words and I echo them: The Lord blesses you and keeps you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM - the Prince of Peace!Shalom!

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