PEACE AMONG THE NATIONS

Read Micah 4:1-5

Key verse: He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; …Micah 4:3

This prophecy of Micah, like that of Isaiah, chapter 9, promises a time when war will no longer exist. For a long time Israel had been under siege by the Assyrians and the people were weary of warfare. His vision of instruments of war transformed to tools that provide sustenance for the people gives hope in a time of despair. Obviously this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled. Today instead of swords and spears, bombs and rockets destroy life and hope for their transformation to peaceful ends seems improbable. But the day will come when the lord shall judge among the nations and peace shall come at last.

Prayer: Lord, we in the 21st century long for the day when war will no longer exist. Give us the desire and will to make peace wherever we are and to trust that in your own time the whole world will know peace.  Amen