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Shalom.
Hebrew word usually rendered 'peace' in English versions of the Bible.
Jim Punton has written that shalom means:-
"a For the individual - a totally intergrated life of health of body, heart and mind, attuned to nature, open to others, in joy with God.
b Between persons - sharing, mutuality and love.
c In community or society - justice, dignity, independence and freedom, harmony and reciprocity, the contentment with 'enough' that all may have 'enough'.
It is he opposite to oppression, violence, and selfishness; it means man as a caring trustee of creation, having ended exploitation, indifference and irresponsibility. This is something of the shalom of God 'which passes all understanding', the total well-being he wills for man and the cosmos, the goal of his mission, the content of his reign"
Jim Punton was a Greenbelt Board member and speaker for many years, a Trainer and Bible Teacher with Frontier Youth Trust and Scripture Union.
He supported me as professional supervisor' during my ten years as a Youth Worker in Inner City Canning Town, East London.
Before that, when I worked 'up north' in Hostels, Hells Angels Club and Approved School, I thought he was a bit strange because he didn't seem evangelical enough - like me. He stayed in support during those 'dodgy years' for me, even though it was me who thought he was 'dodgy'.
Now I speak of him as maybe the greatest influence on my life.
At Christmas the Prince of Shalom was born 'with us'.
At Easter the Prince of Shalom died and did not stay that way.
That man Jesus is still around ................ making Shalom through me and you.
Jim Punton, I share him with you on Easter Day.
www.pipwilson.com
