Go in peace . . .
A common Hebrew greeting. A wish for “security, safety, prosperity, felicity. . .a formula of wishing well, blessing, addressed by the Hebrews to departing friends ” (from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). In modern-day America, “have a good day” would be similar.
It’s a wish for an absence of conflict and pain, a wish for harmony.
A wish. When I offer a friend to “have a good day” I do realize that I have virtually no power to make his or her day good.
Enter Jesus . . .
from Thayer’s . . .”according to a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. . .is used of those who, assured of salvation, tranquilly await the return of Christ and the transformation of all things which will accompany that event,”
Romans 5:1 CSB – 1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not just offer a polite greeting; because he is the Prince of Peace, he can actually give peace.
John 14:27 CSB – 27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
Think of it. No longer an enemy of God. Adopted as his child. Assured of his constant presence. Promised that his purposes will be accomplished.
Romans 15:13 CSB – 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 CSB – 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Plea for Grace 