The Divine Umpire

- Col 3:15 -

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15

The word “rule” used in the verse above is the Greek word brabeuo. It was used in ancient times to describe an umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions so popular in the ancient world.

Paul uses this word to tell us that the peace of God can work like a referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. When detrimental emotions attempt to exert control over us or try to throw us into an emotional tailspin, we can stop it from happening by making the choice to let God’s peace rise up from deep inside us to ‘referee’ or moderate our emotions.

As we do, we will be kept under the control of that divine peace as it rules in our hearts. When the divine umpire called ‘peace’ steps into the game, it suddenly begins to call the shots and make all the decisions—instead of fretfulness, anxiety and worry being in charge.

Col. 3:15 could be translated:

Let the peace of God call the shots in your life....
Let the peace of God be the umpire in your life and actions....
Let the peace of God act as a referee regarding your emotions and decisions....