In 1893, the inventor of the machine gun was asked if his invention would make wars even more devastating. He replied that he believed they would make wars impossible. Many inventors and great scientists have said similar things over the years, only to discover that this was not the truth. Scientific progress has not slowed the beat of war, but has only made it far more deadly than it had ever been before.
Isaiah 2 gives us a foretaste of what will end war. The prophet paints a wonderful image of peace—people will beat their swords into plowshares, weapons will be repurposed into tools that grow and give life, and all nations will stream towards it to worship God (Isaiah 2:2,4). Then all people of the world will be united in worship of Him, and will finally lay their weapons down (Isaiah 2:3).
No better picture of these future events can be found than what took place in the early church. People who had previously experienced a contentious and even violent relationship with one another could see themselves as family: Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, and Romans all unified, not because of science and progress but because they honored and worshiped the same God (Acts 10:34-38). Peter said, “In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:35).
I know that I’m called to be a person of peace for Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). But I often feel completely at a loss how to pursue that end—a world that is finally experiencing shalom. Isaiah reminds me that the way towards lasting and eternal peace is to worship God lovingly and to encourage others to do the same. Inviting others into a loving relationship with God is a step toward lasting peace on earth.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 10:24-48
More:
Read Revelation Isaiah 21:22-24 to see a similar portrait as found in Isaiah 2:2-4.
Next:
Do you feel that you are called to be a person of peace? What does that mean to you? Why do you think the worship of God is a step toward peace?
Gary Shultz on October 24, 2015 at 6:31 am
The thought of peace brings hope. I would think we all look forward to the time when Peace’s Prince will usher in a life that brings no harm to us or our fellow man. Many of us now know and or have family or friends occupied in protecting national and local areas because evil is very present. I, with great anticipation look forward to the soon coming time when Jesus will rip that old man of sin away and His peace will work fully through His people. I’ll be happy to do a little plowing and pruning, enjoying God’s peace and presence. Thank you.
Mike Wittmer on October 24, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Our naivete is unbelievable–to think that inventing killing machines will make humans reluctant to pull the trigger! I share your frustration at not knowing how to make much difference in this world of war. You’re right that we can serve the Prince of Peace in our families and neighborhoods, and pray for His swift return. Only Jesus will end war and bring lasting peace to our troubled planet.
Winn Collier on October 28, 2015 at 5:36 pm
I’ve read about an art instillation, in some war-torn country, where the weapons and ammunition were pulled together to create the Tree of Life. This reflects these promises you’ve returned us to in powerful, visceral ways.