The Umpire of Peace

The Umpire of Peace

Words of Faith 11-14-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Colossians 3

[15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

      Paul’s guidance for believers builds strength layer by layer.  We are called to choose to be dead to sin, get rid of the old clothing of your life without Christ, and put on the new clothing of Christ Himself.  Now, let the peace of Christ rule your heart.

      The peace of Christ is the fruit of God’s Spirit in us.  It is a gift from God in times of turmoil and confusion.  This peace of Christ is a quietness and rest in Him that is quite beyond our own making, but it does involve our choosing. 

       The Greek word eirene literally means to be bound together or joined.  To be at peace is to be put back together or woven together, within ourselves and in our relationships with others.  We are woven together rather than torn up or pulled in different directions.  Even as saved people, we can often be "all torn up" inside because we do not allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts.

      Now, don’t miss this.  The word translated “rule” means to arbitrate, govern, or umpire.  The image is akin to that of a referee who decides matters of difference within a game or setting.  Let the peace of Christ be the umpire of your heart—the deciding factor in our heart regarding all situations, circumstances, and situations of life.  We are to let the peace of Christ rule in all things and over all differences.

        This is a choice that only we can make.  It is the peace of Christ; it is not our own.  It is His possession that we must surrender to.  The decision is ours whether we let the peace of Christ rule or not. Scripture commands it, but we must be willing to let the umpire of peace rule. We must be ready to lay aside all the differences and circumstances—to be willing to give up differences and let Christ handle them through the rule of His peace.

        Jesus wants us to be ruled in our hearts by His peace!  Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).   "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). 

        In the person of Jesus, God has declared peace with us so that we might have the rule of peace in our hearts.  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).  For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14).

         This is not just a personal and private peace.  As members of the Body, we are called to peace with one another.  We are called to behave as one body in union with each other.  How?  By letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Peace is to be the deciding factor, the umpire in all relationships between believers.

         So how is your heart?  Is the Peace of Christ ruling there?  Is He the umpire?  Is He deciding the difference of the heart, or are you torn in many directions?  Surrender to Him and to His peace. 

         Father God, I want the peace of Christ.  I surrender to Your grace but also to Your peace.  Rule richly in my heart.  Decide the divided places.  I surrender to You and the knowledge that You are in control.  In Jesus' Name. 

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