Colossians 3:15
Colossians 3:15 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].”
Umpire- First of all, let me give you a definition of who an umpire is and what he does in the game of baseball. An umpire is the controlling factor in the game of baseball as Jesus Christ is the controlling Person in our hearts (deciding and settling questions that arise). And the Peace of Christ which passes understanding is the inner calm of one who daily walks with Him.
Recently, our sweet 8-year-old granddaughter, Ani, started playing softball. She took to the game enthusiastically, and she really began to shine. But what do our granddaughter’s accomplishments have to do with peace? Actually, it was through our granddaughter’s baseball games, that I began to notice the game. It was then that the Lord revealed Himself as the umpire of our souls. Just as an umpire controls the game, our Lord Jesus needs to control every action and attitude of our heart as we surrender to His leadership/ His Lordship. Every game needs an umpire. The umpire is an integral part of the game, overseeing each play and making the calls. He has an extensive knowledge of the rules—more than the players—and nothing gets past his watchful eyes. In fact, the game would be postponed or canceled if no umpire was available.
Likewise, each person needs an umpire for his soul. We, as human beings, are not capable of governing our own soul. Just like in the game of baseball, there needs to be an umpire, our Lord Jesus Christ that is in control. This means that in every situation, it is Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace that governs every action of our soul. If we have surrendered ourselves completely to our Lord, & we are obeying the Word of God, we have peace that passes understanding. As we maintain a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus, our privilege as members of His body, His church, is to have Jesus Christ as the Umpire of our souls, overseeing our lives. & walking with us every moment of every day.
Let me first give you a definition of the word Peace. Peace is not the absence of trouble. Peace is the Presence of Christ. One of the loveliest prophecies, a foundational truth in Isaiah 9:6, our Lord Jesus was given the name Prince of Peace. “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” Here are a few scriptures about Peace.
Peace is the Reason Christ came to earth. Colossians 1:20 “And God purposed that through (by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.]” Jesus Christ took our place and by taking our place Himself and dying for our sins, and then He rose from the grave. Then all those who believe in Christ and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have a permanent place in the family of God. His Peace is theirs for all eternity.
Peace Sanctified every believer or in other words, Jesus sets us apart for a relationship with Himself. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “And may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”
Peace is given to every believer. Philippians 4:9 “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.”
Peace Transforms us. 1 Peter 3:4 “But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God. “It is then we begin to look like Jesus.
Peace is our reward for obedience 1 Peter 5:14b “…To all of you that are in Christ Jesus (the Messiah), may there be peace (every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts). Amen (so be it).”
Peace is multiplied when we are obedient. 2 Peter 1:2 “May grace (God’s favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
Conclusion: Isaiah 30:18 “And therefore, the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore, He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!”