Pursue shalom [peace] with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14, TLV
Pursue Shalom? With Everyone? It is interesting that this verse is tucked within instructions on how to accept discipline from God, our Heavenly Father.
Now all discipline seems painful at the moment—not joyful. But later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (vs. 11, TLV)
This reminds me of Jeremiah 29. Remember verse 11: “For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares ADONAI [the LORD], “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.”
The context of both verses is living through a difficult time of discipline. In Jeremiah, the Jewish people were to go into exile — to pagan Babylon. In Hebrews, it is directed to all followers of Jesus — Jewish and Gentiles — who are running the race of faith in a pagan world.
Here’s the interesting part . . .
Here’s the interesting part. In both cases, “they” are to live in peace as best “they” can. In Jeremiah 29, Israel was to build homes, plant gardens and enjoy their fruits. Get married, have children, and multiply. Live in peace and even pray for peace for this pagan Babylon. Yet, like Daniel continue to pursue righteousness and to be set apart.
So, in both passages living in peace while going through a difficult
time — whether it is discipline or just life — it is part of God’s process.
For us today, it is difficult to live in shalom with those who don’t want anything to do with our Biblical values, isn’t it?
Some might say we should do the opposite of living in peace. We should fight, shout, protest, make a scene—be heard. Because, if we don’t, then we compromise our faith and values. Ironically that is what the false prophets of Jeremiah’s time said.
For thus says ADONAI, the God of Israel: “Do not let your prophets who are among you, or your diviners beguile you, and pay no attention to the dreams which you make them keep dreaming. For they prophesy falsely to you in My Name; I have not sent them.” It is a declaration of ADONAI. (Jeremiah 29:8-9).
What if God has a bigger plan than we can imagine? What if we can live in peace without compromise? Wouldn’t we want to seek Him how to do that?
If we can take Yeshua at His word, then being a peacemaker is important.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:6, TLV
I am going to meditate on these two chapters. See how to live this command by our Lord. Because, honestly it seems counterintuitive to following the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as demonstrated by His Son. Yet, there it is: Pursue shalom with everyone and pursue holiness.
