July 29 | Colossians 3:12-17

---

DAILY READING

Colossians 3:12-17

---

REFLECTION

Peace Leads to Sabbath

by Pr. Dave Mann

We have been studying what the Word of God says about Sabbath rest for several weeks. Sabbath is more than a commandment to be observed and obeyed. Yes, it is that. But more than that, the Sabbath is a gift. How can we receive that gift with a heart of gratitude? Peace is the road to Sabbath rest. 

The Holy Spirit gave the Apostle Paul a beautiful verse in 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. Christ can usher his peace into our hearts. When the peace of God is ruling, presiding, directing our hearts, we can relax and be at rest, knowing that Jesus is the final arbiter over the skirmishes and problems we face. We can be thankful that it is Christ who rules, not we ourselves.

Peace is a major theme in the Scriptures. The word appears in the Bible nearly 250 times—shalom in Hebrew and eirēnē in Greek. Shalom, though a word in Hebrew, is so well known that it appears also in English dictionaries. The Greek word is the basis for “irenic” and a female name, Irene.

Here are several key verses that speak of the peace of God that leads us to rest. I urge you to select one of these verses to meditate on and memorize today.

Psalm 4:8 — In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Romans 5:1 — Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:7 — And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 — May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 26:3 — You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.

Psalm 85:10 — Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Isaiah 32:17 — The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

May you find the peace of God in your heart and be led into a meaningful Sabbath rest.

PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Sabbath. Thank you for giving us peace that leads into your confidence and rest. Thank you for Jesus who is our ultimate giver of peace and rest. We live and pray in his name, Amen.