Shalom Aleikhem

Warriors Arise: July 25th, 2020

John 20:24-26 (NKJV) Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Talk about scaring the bajeebies out of someone! Jesus enters the room, where the doors are shut and stands in their midst. Then He says, "Peace to you!" The Bible translators used an exclamation mark. Do you think they all jumped a foot off the ground?

Maybe they used an exclamation point because Jesus was speaking with a sense of authority, a command. He wanted the attention of everyone in the room. Time was short and He needed to be on His way. This is not where He was supposed to meet up with the disciples. Maybe Jesus was even speaking peace to Himself, keeping Himself in check.

When I get home from work and sometimes the kids have not done what I have asked them to do. I could have even left them a list and it still remains undone. It is best if I step into my room, take a deep breath. Sometimes I will think, "Breathe in peace, Veridee." Sometimes I will say in a plea, "Jesus please help me to remain calm when I talk to my kids". However, Jesus is God so I don't think He was bothered. He has an amazing love for His disciples and for each one of us. Thankfully, He is able to see beyond our shortcomings and meet us right where we are. He is able to bring restoration to us so we can continue fulfilling our purpose.

Jeff A. Benner shares, "Peace is an abstract. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom is translates into restitution. When someone has stolen something from you and restitution is necessary; Shalom is when you receive back what what stolen from you. Shalom Aleikhem is a blessing for you to be made whole and complete. When someone says, "Shalom Aleikhem" they are saying, "May you have everything you need to be complete."

This really puts things into perspective. When Jesus appeared in the midst of the disciples eight days earlier He says, "Peace to you" (Luke 24:36). When Thomas so arrogantly said he would not believe unless he put his hands in the nail holes of Jesus' hands and feet, was that really what he wanted? Or did he want Jesus to speak over him, "Shalom Aleikhem" like He had the other disciples. Thomas needed restitution for what was stolen from him. When Jesus died on the cross Thomas lost big. Think about it. The disciples lost their friend, leader, teacher, miracle worker, encourager, security, protection, provision, direction, and purpose. They lost big because they were not applying what Jesus had taught them about the sacrifice He had to make on their behalf and ours. Thomas needed restitution for what was lost, he needed to be made complete in his mind and the shattered places of his heart put back together and made whole.

Father, I ask for you to come into our midst and pronounce, "Shalom Aleikhem". I ask for people to see You and hear You. I ask for each one to receive Your pronouncement of their restitution. You know how much people have lost in the last 5 months. Some have lost jobs, their businesses, and family members to COVID-19 and the riots. They have also lost their faith in Your love. Many have taken the path of violence without cause, for nothing that has been done personally to them. I pray for Your Shalom Aleikhem to be pronounced over the entire earth. I pray for You to release restitution for those who have had things stolen. I pray for Your Shalom Aleikhem to make our minds complete, our thoughts to be set on You and our mouths to speak what You would say. I pray for our hearts to receive Your Shalom Aleikhem placing the pieces of our heart back together and sealing the cracks with Your love. I pray Your Shalom Aleikhem to make us whole again body, soul and spirit in Jesus' name. I pray we would be a conduit of Your Shalom Aleikhem, pronouncing peace to those who are trapped in fear, confused in their minds, and shattered in their hearts. I pray for each one to receive Your Shalom Aleikhem in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.