Inspired by Micah 4:1-5
“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; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” Micah 4:3-4
In political terms, ‘peace’ is contrasted with ‘war,’ meaning war could be defined as the absence of peace, and peace could be defined as the absence of war. Therefore ‘peace’ can be obtained by conquest, and can be maintained by force. However, God’s view of peace encompasses so much more than the absence of war; it involves a world in which war is unnecessary. God’s ultimate justice determines the outcome of disagreements between peoples, without weapons. Weapons are turned into implements that encourage things to grow, rather than being used as tools of destruction. Nations are secure and self-sufficient, knowing that just as they are taking care of themselves, their neighbors are doing the same, eliminating the threat of attack for the sake of scarce resources.
When trying to determine what God’s will is for your life, ask yourself which of your choices most contributes to this view of peace. Then make that choice, knowing that God is teaching you his ways and you are walking in his paths.
Let us pray. Lord God, you created all nations. Help us to live in peace with all your people, that no one will need to know fear, hunger, or death by war. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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