Welcome to
Pastor Tom's Place

Shalom America

One Sunday, while back in college, I heard a preacher deliver a sermon which he called “Shalom and Sadat.” I don’t remember all the content of the sermon, but the title has stuck with me for decades, and I do know who Sadat was and what Shalom means. The name Sadat is the name of Egypt’s third president. His full name was Anwar Sadat. He led the Egyptian part of the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel that retook the Siani Peninsula for a short time from Israel. He began to soften his positions concerning peace with Israel seeking to improve the prosperity of his country and bringing it into a first world status. Between the years 1977-1978, he and Menachem Begin, Israel’s president, spent time at Camp David and then formally signed a peace treaty between their nations. They would both receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their work. October 6, 1981, was the day he would be killed by radicals who were against the peace deal. A huge parade in Cairo was celebrating the victory in the Siani, during which Sadat was shot four times. He died a short time later from his wounds.

Shalom. What does that mean? The basic meaning simply means “peace.” But the greater or extended meaning is much more in-depth. The fullness of the meaning is to “wish for peace along with wishing for prosperity, physical health, salvation, and harmonious relationships.” Our Lord Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Shalom) in Isaiah 9:6. Judges 6:24 tells us that “the Lord is our Peace (Shalom).” One final passage that is marvelous for the Christian to never forget is found in Romans 5:1. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace (shalom) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The wrath of God no longer hangs over our heads like the sword of Damocles.

So, why the title of the blog today? Shalom America. This coming Tuesday is election day for our country. Of course, we don’t really have an election “day” anymore, that is just when the counting possibly begins. Both sides have expressed great concerns depending on the outcome. Each side is accusing the other of stealing, suppressing votes, and challenging the results. Lawsuits are flying all over the place. Both sides claim the opposition is going to riot in the streets over the results. I personally think rioting is probably going to happen especially in places like the West Coast, large cities, and around certain colleges. For some, it is an opportunity to get a “100% off” shopping spree (much like the Dodgers fans did last night in California after the Dodgers won the world series) while others simply want to hurt those they hate. It has been my prayer for a while that America will experience a reawakening spiritually. When a man or woman gets born-again, they become a new creature (creation). They have been reborn into a child of God, become a vessel in which God lives, and have a new heart that certainly seeks peace for itself but also for others. I ask you to pray with me for America. If America falls, there isn’t another country that seeks Shalom as we do. This Tuesday, America is at a crossroad. We can become globalists, or we can keep our sovereignty holding tightly to our God given rights. Applying the fuller meaning of Shalom to my prayer, and I hope yours, is for America to be prosperous once again. To be physically healthy, getting rid of the rot that degrades our society, having salvation that comes from the Lord Jesus, and giving us a people with harmonious relationships. Recently, I have been noticing some things that are bright spots. Little courtesies are being used at least around where I travel. Doors are being held for others, smiles are being offered and allowing others to go first. Perhaps it is a pipe dream, but it does my heart good to see these little things. I am seeing young people defer to the elderly, and the races are smiling at each other more than in the past couple of years. Those are good things if we truly are seeking shalom. Why not decide today to be a peace maker. Matthew 5:9 calls “peace makers” blessed. Let’s find someone today and show them kindness. Let’s find ten people and show them a kindness. If we start making this a part of our lifestyle it will bless many, but it will also bless you. Shalom to you all.