They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. (Isa. 2:4)
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS seem to have been the norm of human history. We grow weary of conflict, but can’t seem to remove ourselves from it. We waste a lot of energy, resources, and lives with instruments of destruction designed to hurt rather than heal. We long for the day when the lion will lie down with the lamb.
What is true on the global level is true on the personal level, where our swords and spears take the shape of cutting words and spiteful actions. We find it easier (hopefully not more enjoyable) to tear others down rather than build them up. We need to bury our hatchets and find constructive ways of getting along. It is time to take the instruments of hurt and transform them into instruments of healing. It is time we change destructive behaviors into constructive ones. We don’t have to wait for some millennial reign of peace to start. We can pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” and then start doing something to bring the kingdom to our corner of the world. It can be done—one sword at a time, one spear at a time. Soon seeds will be planted that yield a harvest of righteousness.
Ask God to make you an instrument of His peace, so that where there is hatred, you may sow love.
Ken Heer is the author of Ancient Fire (WPH) and has been a pastor and church leader for fifty-two years.
