The Lord Our Peace
David Wilkerson emphasizes that understanding God's character as Jehovah Shalom is essential for experiencing true peace and strength in our lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of knowing God's character, particularly through His names, as a defense against spiritual attacks. He highlights the name Jehovah Shalom, which signifies completeness, health, and peace, revealing God's desire for wholeness in our lives. Wilkerson urges believers to take their relationship with God seriously, recognizing that true peace cannot be earned but is a divine gift. He challenges the congregation to tremble at God's Word and to be ready to obey, promising that those who do will experience the profound peace of Jehovah Shalom. Ultimately, this peace empowers believers to stand strong against the lies of the enemy.
Text
Knowing and believing in God's character as revealed in his names provides great protection against enemy attack. God declared through Hosea, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The implication here is powerful. God is telling us that having an intimate knowledge of his nature and character, as revealed through his names, is a powerful shield against Satan's lies.
This brings us to another of our Lord's names: Jehovah Shalom. We find this name mentioned in the book of Judges. Here, the Lord revealed himself to Gideon in the form of an angel (see Judges 6:22-24). What does this name, Jehovah Shalom, mean exactly? As a noun, the Hebrew word shalom means "completeness, health, welfare." It implies being whole, in harmony with God and man, having wholesome relationships. It also indicates a state of being at ease--not restless, having peace both inwardly and outwardly, being at rest both spiritually and emotionally. In short, shalom signifies wholeness in a life or work. And as a verb, shalom means to be completed or finished, or to make peace.
Once more, I'm driven to ask, "What does this particular name of God have to do with me and with the church today?"
Shalom cannot be earned. We'll never receive the Lord's shalom until we realize, "This is serious business. This is God almighty I'm dealing with, creator and sustainer of the universe. How can I continue taking him for granted? Why do I still test his grace, living with this lust as if he is deaf and blind to my secret acts?" Do you tremble at God's Word? Are you ready to obey everything it says? If so, you'll receive the revelation of Jehovah Shalom. He'll come to you personally as "the Lord, your peace," filling your spirit with supernatural strength against every enemy. You can't earn this kind of peace; it's a gift from God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding God's character through His names
- The importance of knowledge in spiritual warfare
- Hosea's warning about lack of knowledge
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II
- Introduction to Jehovah Shalom
- Meaning of shalom in Hebrew
- Implications of being whole and at peace
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III
- The relevance of Jehovah Shalom today
- The seriousness of our relationship with God
- The necessity of obedience to receive peace
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IV
- Shalom as a gift from God
- The role of faith in receiving peace
- Supernatural strength against spiritual enemies
Key Quotes
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” — David Wilkerson
“Shalom signifies wholeness in a life or work.” — David Wilkerson
“You can't earn this kind of peace; it's a gift from God.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek a deeper knowledge of God's character to strengthen your faith.
- Embrace obedience to God's Word as a pathway to receiving His peace.
- Recognize that true peace is a divine gift that cannot be earned.