I happened along this verse today, and it was like a beam of light glistening through a multi-faceted crystal made from the dark lead that once was my life.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ” Colossians 3:15
Three awesome points in one very simple verse! Let PEACE (which comes from Christ) rule. As members of ONE BODY (of Christians) you were so called. Be THANKFUL.
When I called on the Lord to still the stormy waters of my life, I was reminded of Peter’s walk to Jesus on the water, and how he only began to sink when he took his eyes off the Christ. I remember how I used to repeat a phrase like a fight song, when the times got hard to bear. I pictured myself on top of the deep waters, walking to His outstretched arms. I would strive to maintain my focus on Him though the waves licked at my heels, begging for my attention, tempting me to drop my glance. “Waves at my ankles,” I would say, "It's just waves at my ankles!" rebuking the temptation to despair. I would gaze at Him and all that He was to me. The arms of peace extended. “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” He said. I remembered a song we sang at church camp when I was a kid. We called Him “Prince of Peace, and Lord of Lords…” I would recall the lyrics of that song and pray, “Prince of Peace, include me in your realm, and enfold me in your arms. I could use some of that rest.” I had learned that peace does not come in the arms of a mother, a wife, a friend, or anybody else. It isn’t found in front of the television, at a ballgame, at work, at the park. It is found on top of a tricky situation that threatens to consume your soul, a sea that taunts you for your attention, and it only comes when you maintain your focus on the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ the Lord.
In my travels through this life, it has occurred to me that there are a lot more Christians than any of them realize. I heard a joke about a Methodist, who died and was escorted into heaven. As he was walking, he observed a large wall. When he inquired about what was on the other side of the wall, St. Peter said, “Sssshhhh… That’s the Baptists. They think they’re the only one’s here." My wife’s grandmother was the most devout Catholic ever to live without a habit on her head. My own grandmother was the most devout member of the Church of Christ anyone ever met. If either one of them were to be believed, no one from any other church denomination would be in heaven. My wife and I joke that they are both there now, wondering what the other is doing there. I believe that one of the miracles of heaven will be that all the denominational boundaries will be taken down. The bible describes the Body of Christ as a body with many parts. Paul even articulates disputes between the parts, as if one part might feel more or less a part of the body (as he is cautioning against that). I imagine a huge worldwide Church, all loving the same Christ, all worshipping Him alone, each part worshipping in a different manner. This one drinks communion from a goblet, another one from a tiny plastic cup; this one worships with electric guitars and violins, another one with human voices only; this one with pomp and ceremony, another one with casual clothes and informal fellowship. None are any less a part of the body of Christ! One may be more suited to outreach, while another may be gifted in the area of evangelism. Satan has splintered Christ’s bride into parts, but God has used the separation for His good, and formed each one for His own purposes. The beauty of the Church is that, even though its parts are temporarily separated, they are all being washed, prepared as a bride for the Day of the Bridegroom. The Prince of Peace claims His inheritance! I can’t wait!
(I Cor 12:20 "As it is, there are many parts, but one body.")
At this time of year, we think a lot about giving thanks. There is great reason to be thankful for everything, from the grace leads to eternal life, to the simple lungful of air you just inhaled. I recently heard a woman who had overcome a heavy burden say, “I couldn’t have done it without Jesus!” In agreement, I replied, “I couldn’t have even taken that last breath without Jesus. We’re both blessed!” It was a warm moment of fellowship between two members of the body, sharing the sustenance of the same Prince of Peace who was providing for each of us as we needed. This is also a great week to remember to be thankful, not just for what you have already received, but for the hope for the future. In Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he said, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Watch for the answer to your prayer, thanking God in advance for the answer. We have the assurance that if we pray the will of God in Jesus’ name, we have what we ask. He is a giver of good gifts. He is not, however, a vending machine! I am appalled when I see the “name it and claim it” group promising the hurting soul that he has whatever he wishes. Jesus was very clear when he said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” The verse that is mistakenly interpreted is one of Jesus speaking in John chapter 14, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” The context of the verse is one of exhortation to follow the example of Jesus, because He, Himself, is God. It is a plea to love, follow, and obey. It is an explanation of the Holy Spirit, who will come after Jesus is taken away in body and only allowed to remain in Spirit. The verse also has right there built in, the answer to the broken hearted question, “I asked in Jesus’ name! Why didn’t I get the answer I wanted?” The answer comes in another question, “Would the Son bring glory to the Father by giving you that Cadillac (or bank roll, or long life for your dying cousin) you asked for in Jesus’ name?” God is not your personal Genie of the Lamp. He is to be loved, honored, followed, trusted and obeyed.
