Your Prize is Peace

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.     –  Colossians 3:15 

Major League Baseball has its Hall of Fame. But did you realize that there is a Hall of Fame for umpires also? The most recently inducted was Henry “Hank” O’Day. Before becoming an umpire, O’Day had been a right-handed pitcher for several different teams over a seven-year period. He became a National League umpire in 1895 and served 30 years, including officiating in ten World Series. His election to the Umpire Hall of Fame came in 2012, and his induction speech was given by a grand-nephew who was also a Major League player, Ron Santo. 

Theologian John Eadie points out that the Greek word translated as “the peace of Christ” is brabeúō, and it contains the idea of a supreme command being exercised. He says, “It naturally comes from its original and literal signification of presiding at the games, and then of distributing the rewards of victory.” Pastor and author Kent Hughes applies it by asking, “How much misery we would avoid if we permitted ‘the peace of Christ’ to umpire in our hearts. How many words we would hold back if he were the arbitrator in our lives. How many sleepless nights we would forego if we did that. How the Church needs this too, ‘since as members of one body you were called to peace.’” 

Whether umpire, judge, or arbiter, it is Jesus Christ who awards the prize of peace. Peace in the heart of every believer is part of discerning God’s will. When the Apostle Paul says you must “let it rule,” he indicates that it is up to you how much peace you will experience. Matthew Henry states, “Peace with God is our privilege and peace with our brethren is our duty.” When the power of Christ rules in your heart, so does His peace. Keep your heart yielded to the Lord and His sovereign purpose for you. Then praise Him and give Him thanks for the deep indwelling peace He has given you.