By the time I finished writing the daily devotionals for this book in 1988, my responsibilities at the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) were expanded to include international educational programs. Within two years, following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, exciting new educational exchanges were initiated by CCCU member schools and I had the challenge of coordinating some of these efforts as Director of the “Russian Initiative.” In 1995, I left the CCCU to become the President of the Russian-American Christian University, the first faith-based liberal arts college in Russia’s history. I am still serving in this capacity.
I am giving you this brief biographical sketch in order to explain why this manuscript remained in my file cabinet and never was published. It is only now, with my work in Russia reduced to part-time, that I have the luxury to re-focus on this text.
While teaching and directing the American Studies Program in Washington, D.C., for the CCCU, our faculty did concentrated Biblical study with our students on Biblical justice and shalom. In addition to giving lectures on the history of Evangelical political engagement, our staff used these Biblical themes to form a foundation for exploring how the Bible provides guidance to followers of Jesus on public policy issues. Most of the students from CCCU schools had very little understanding of these Biblical themes and often limited knowledge of their own Evangelical heritage.
The Introduction I wrote in 1988 explains how I got involved in the multi-year Biblical study that resulted in the writing of these devotional readings. While I am pleased that some Christian leaders are now preaching and teaching about Biblical shalom, it is still clear to me that most Christians are simply unfamiliar with this topic. It is my conviction that this topic is “The Missing Peace.” Not only is it not understood, despite hundreds of Biblical references, it is also not put into practice – so it is missing in both senses of the word.
Because Biblical shalom is new to many readers, here are several helpful definitions of this rich Hebrew word:
- “Shalom is the human being dwelling at peace in all his or her relationships: with God, with self, with fellows, with nature. . . . Shalom at its highest is enjoyment in one’s relationships.” (Nicholas Wolterstorff, Until Peace and Justice Embrace, p. 69.)
- “This webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets called shalom. We call it ‘peace,’ but it means far more than just peace of mind or cease-fire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. . . . Shalom, in other words, is the way things are supposed to be.” (Cornelius Plantinga, Engaging God’s World, pp. 14-15.)
- “Shalom is usually translated ‘peace’ in English Bibles, but it means far more than what our English word conveys. It means complete reconciliation, a state of the fullest flourishing in every dimension – physical, emotional, social and spiritual – because all relationships are right, perfect and filled with joy.” (Timothy Keller, Generous Justice, pp. 173-174.)
- “Biblical Shalom is so rich in meanings – good health, right relationships with others and ourselves, security, closeness to God, care for God’s creation. Think of shalom as peace with God, peace with ourselves, peace with others, and peace with creation. It is, in fact, a way of summarizing the ‘good news’ (the Gospel).” (John A. Bernbaum, www.reflectionsonshalom.blogspot.com)
It is my conviction that these daily devotional readings will give you a deepened understanding of Biblical shalom and help you to see how being a peacemaker is part of your calling as a follower of Jesus. These devotionals will bless you the most if you read them daily, rather than reading through a full chapter at one time. The cumulative impact over 16 weeks is part of the design of this book.
If these readings on Biblical shalom inspire you and you want to learn more about this subject, I encourage you to visit my web site (JohnABernbaum.org) and explore the more than 70 blog posts on “JB’s Reflections on Shalom,” most of which focus on the life and times of Jesus. Shalom!
Dr. John A. Bernbaum
Wheaton, Maryland