Reflection on Adult Sunday School Study "Shalom"

February 17, 2013

The Lord said to Moses
Tell Aaron and his sons
This is how you are to bless the
Isarelites, Say to them:

"The Lord bless and keep thee.
The Lord make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee,
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace."
         Numbers 6:22-27

For the past seven weeks, the Adult Sunday School
Class has studied the Hebrew word, "Shalom," from
the Kyregmia.

I was selected to give my reflections because
Numbers 6:22-27 is my favorite benediction.
I had no idea until this class, under our abled
and knowledgeable teacher, Stan Hirtle, that it is
a priestly benediction, a blessing of Shalom, God
gave to Aaron, and his sons, the priests to say
over the people.

Shalom is generally understood to mean "peace,"
say goodbye or farewell. But it means so much more.
We learned that Hebrew words convey feelings,
intent, and emotions.

Shalom means complete peace, feeling of contentment,
completeness, wholeness, personaly well-being,
harmony in relationship, absence of war, safety,
tranquility, prosperity -which all of us want.

The Isarelities understood that Shalom is a gift
from God, and that the only way to find true
Shalom is through the God-and through the word
of God.

While we may such for fulfillment, happiness,
contentment in material possessions, money,
sex, entertainment, etc. these things do not bring
us peace or fill the hole in our soul. But rather
distract us from finding true peace which only
comes from God. God's intent for our lives is
wholeness and harmony.

Shalom is a might blessing to speak into people's
lives and over them-to have God's blessing,
his favor upon them

Turn to your neighbor and bless them with the
word, "Shalom." Tomorrow say "Shalom"
to someone- your children, your husband, your
wife, etc.