Who’s In Charge? (Colossians 3:15)

 


Wednesday, January 1, 2025


Psalm 113

Genesis 17:1-13

Colossians 3:12-17


Observance: The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus


Who’s In Charge? (Colossians 3:15)


There’s an old prayer, a gift from our Christian ancestors, that I often find myself pulling out of the toolbelt. It comes from the prayers at the end of the day – a peaceful way to be tucked in bed by our heavenly Father. This is how it goes:


Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose upon thy eternal changelessness.


We hear, in our worship services, and read, in our Bibles, a lot about peace. Here in St Paul’s letter to the Colossians we get an idea of how it works: peace – specifically, the peace of Christ – is to rule in our hearts.


Our hearts are devilishly difficult to control. The slightest breeze can knock them off-course; comment, a side glance, a news headline: it seems we are under a whirlwind of forces trying to pull us apart.


But – the peace of Christ rules in our hearts. His peace is in charge; all those attacks and distractions must bend the knee to him.


Today we observe the naming and circumcision of Jesus. And we read in Genesis what circumcision means: it is the sign of the covenant promise of God to be our God. All who trust, fear and love the Lord Jesus can confidently say “my God”. The God who does amazing things such as we read in our Psalm is our God.


This is the promise made to all who are descended from Abraham by faith, and have that promise sealed in Jesus’ blood. It is supernatural, and gives us a supernatural peace. And this is the peace that rules in our hearts.


How is your heart being scattered today? How will you bring your heart under the rule of Christ’s peace?


My God, give me your grace so that my restless heart may come under Christ’s rule, and so that I may be under his peace.

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