24 Aug September 7 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Isaiah prophesied Jesus would be the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) The Angels in announcing Christ’s birth to the Shepherds said “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) In fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2:14 St. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1 “since we have been justified through faith, we (you) have peace with God through (y)our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In today’s devotional verse, St. Paul’s words focus you back on the words of Scripture found in the previous paragraph and the application of them to your life this very day and into the future, “Let the peace of Christ (my emphasis) rule in your hearts. . . you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15)

The peace referred to in these verses is you having peace with God.  Peace with God means you have a relationship with Him as your Father based on His forgiveness of your sins.  You have this peace because Christ earned the forgiveness of your sins on Calvary’s cross.  Through the faith the Holy Spirit has given you in Christ you are at peace with God and He with you.  You are able to call Him Father.

The peace of Christ, St. Paul says, “rules your heart.”  In addition to Jesus giving you peace with your heavenly Father, Paul Deterding in his commentary on Colossians writes, “the peace of Christ is to “referee” or “adjudicate” conflicts or disputes within the body of Christ.”  Through the “virtues” you have received through Christ you and your fellow Christians are able to work out your differences and be at peace with one another.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27) Jesus told His Disciples they would have peace in Him.  Then He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  He is your source of  peace with God and with those with whom you live here on this earth.

Prayer:  Jesus, grant me peace today.  Amen.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;

When sorrows, like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot,

Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.  Refrain:

He lives— oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!  Refrain:

And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll.  The trumpet shall sound

And the Lord shall descend; Even so it is well with my soul.  Refrain:

(LSB 763)