SHALOM – 2021 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE (Day 11)

  Texts:             Jn. 20:21   We bless the Lord whose grace has been increasing progressively. His promises in Christ Jesus are Yea and Amen and so enjoying a season of excellence and delightfulness when the majority of people feel hopeless, is sure (2Cor.1:20, 2Chro.20:20).   The context of our text was the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus while the disciples were in fear of the Jews. His word to them was “Shalom Aleichem” (shalome alakhim) meaning Peace be unto you.   The utterance was more than a mere greeting; but an impartation of a blessing (peace) from the King of Kings (Eccl.8:4). This powerful impartation was repeated three times on the same occasion (Jno.20:19,21,26).   Towards the terminal part of His ministry, He emphasized on Peace. (Jn.16:33,14:27, Lk.19:42)   Our message shall come under  (A) Shalom Described (B) Shalom Declared    (A)    SHALOM DESCRIBED   Wikipidia = Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning Peace, Harmony, Wholeness, Completeness, Prosperity, and Tranquility; and can be used idiomatically to mean ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’.   The root meaning of Shalom is “To be whole”.   It carries a sense of Tranquility (Gen.15:15) and being secure (Gen.26:29). It signifies a state in which one can feel at ease, comfortable with someone; harmonious and wholesome relationship. It is indicative of a prosperous relationship between 2 more parties.   Shalom is seen in reference to the wellbeing of others (Gen.43:27, Ex.4:18), to treatise (1Kgs.5:12), in prayer for the wellbeing of cities or nations (Ps.122:6, Jer.29:7).   The meaning of completeness is central to the term.   So Shalom is more than a casual social greeting or mere peace of the mind or a cease-fire between enemies. It is a prayer, a declared blessing, a deep desire, and a benediction. It is packed with the full blessing of God.   It covers abundance in all facets of life: physical, mental, material, spiritual: Provision, Protection, Preservation, etc.   The Greek translation is Eirene (pronounced – I-ray-nay) carries the same shades of meaning. It is all about all-round prosperity.    (B) SHALOM DECLARED (Jn.20:19-21)   The Lord knew about the ordeal of their devastated minds, and so spoke to energize the disciples. The declaration was not to sinners, as such are not qualified for it (Isa.57:21), but to the righteous (Isa.32:17).   This peace subsists amidst turbulence of life amongst those that do the will of God (Jn.16:33, 14:27, Lk.1:79).   Shalom, the all-round prosperity is at the behest of all saints at this time of God’s power.   Let’s rise to declare our decrees.                      WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT                      2021 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE    20^th Jan. – 9^th Feb. 2021                (Day 11)   Theme:          IDYLLIC ERA OF CONCEPTION AND PARTURITION Topic:            SHALOM