Shalom from Jerusalem. I am Jonathan Bernis from Jewish Voice. Welcome to God Today. What an incredible experience, walking the streets of Jerusalem this week. I was here for the 70th anniversary of the state of Israel. What a miracle. I think the greatest sign that God lives and that His word is true, is the restoration of the land of Israel. 70 years not only of survival, but of people that have prospered in the land that God has promised to return them to.
In every program I encourage people from Psalm 122:6 to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” I want to look at that word “peace” for just a moment with you. Many people praying for the peace of Jerusalem understand this to mean a cessation of war or the hostilities ceasing. But in fact, the word “peace” is the word “shalom” in Hebrew. It doesn’t just mean peace. It also means wellness, it means wholeness, it means fullness. I think the best meaning of shalom is to “bring to completion”.
It is used in the New Testament when we are told we are complete in the Messiah Jesus. We are complete in Him. We have not only peace, but wholeness. Everything we need is in Him. Shalom, completion. When we are encouraged to pray for the shalom of Jerusalem, what I believe God is saying is that He wants us – His people – to intercede on behalf of the land, and the people of Israel to bring His plan for this nation and this people to come to pass. That means salvation of Jew and Arab alike, Israeli and Palestinian. That is the only true peace plan that will work – the Prince of Peace. For the salvation of the Jewish people and God’s plans and purposes to be brought to fullness and completion which means the return of Jesus, Yeshua, to this place – Jerusalem. Where He will establish His earthly kingdom and rule and reign and us together with Him.