When you go into a house, let your first words be, “Peace to this house.” (Luke 10:5 REB)
He replied, “I saw Satan fall, like lightning, from heaven.” (Luke 10:18 REB)
Reflections by Keith Funk
The verses above come from the larger story of Jesus sending out the company of seventy (seventy-two in some translations). This corresponds to an earlier assignment that Jesus had given the twelve (Compare Luke 9:1-6).
The point of this was to announce the presence of the good news of the kingdom in words and works of authority. These words and works would be shared as they went in the places they would land. He gave an initial instruction for them to declare, “Peace…” Some would receive and welcome these disciples into their homes sharing in peace, others would not. For these latter, Jesus merely said that the greeting of peace would return to them. In other words, “Don’t take it to heart, put it behind you. Just keep doing what I’ve sent you to do.” Upon return, these whom Jesus sent out were joyous, excited over all that had occurred. “Even demons submit to us” (Luke 10:17). Here we read Jesus’ response, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (10:18). I don’t know about you, but this seems like some weighty stuff.
What can we make of this, and what do we do with it? Perhaps I risk being too simplistic and too literal. With that said, I do think there is something here worth considering and applying in our daily life and encounters with others. I’ll choose to call it, “Shalom in place.” In a day’s activities, conversations, and encounters, what opportunity is given us to offer peace. This needs not be an overt display, but a brief pause of well-wishing or well-doing that brings a moment of well-being to another.
Recently, I held a morning retreat on prayer with some brothers and sisters of a local congregation. We talked of how we could offer “prayers on the spot” as we hear of a need Someone may share with us. Often, we meet an acquaintance and hear of an upcoming test or surgery, something concerning a family member, or some other difficulty being shared with us. A very common and good response often is, “I’ll be in prayer for you, for that situation, etc.” Wonderful! But the next time, upon receiving such news, why not take a moment to pray with that person. You could offer, “May I offer a prayer for you now.” I have found that most often such an invitation is well received. And then, you need not offer more than a sentence, taking a hand or with a light touch on a shoulder with something like, “Dear Lord, may your peace and healing be on my friend here.” Of course, do so with discernment. But I would encourage you to give it a try. As you do, know you are practicing, “Shalom in the moment” in the sharing of God’s peace.
We can do this. Moreover, might we receive this as a calling as something we can reference from Jesus sending out the seventy. Oh, and again think of what Jesus saw upon the disciples’ return, the falling of Satan himself. Here in a small act, in brief words in the moments and places we find ourselves, we are engaged in the battle of heavenlies. No overt screaming, shouting, or ostentatious displays. Just a simple practice of Shalom in place, prayer on the spot and peace given. In such things, the very gates of hades are assaulted.
Peace be with you.