[Jesus] said to them, “Peace be with you.”
—Luke 24:36
When Jesus appeared to his disciples three days after his death, he uttered a typical greeting: “Shalom!” [Peace to you]. It wasn’t only an invitation to temporary peace; it pointed to a deeper, eternal peace.
Peace and salvation are often linked. Simeon’s response to Jesus’ birth was, “Sovereign Lord . . . you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Lk 2:29–30).
Around Christmas, we hear the angelic declaration, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Observing the antagonisms of earth, we may think, “Peace isn’t happening.”
Jesus had a now-and-forever peace in mind: peace between the holy God and sinful humans, established through his blood shed on the cross (Col 1:20). If you are at peace with God, it is everlasting peace.
Go in peace.