My friends and I once interviewed believers of the four major religions practiced in Singapore to find out their teaching on Utopia. This topic intrigued us, for we knew that all people live in an imperfect world.
The challenges of living in a fallen world include more then just economic upheaval and the erosion of godly morals. Daily, people face the prospects of broken relationships, shattered dreams, or the death of loved ones. There’s no way to escape the pain and hardships of life on planet Earth.
Is it realistic, then, to wish for Utopia? Not if you’re a Christian. But in Micah 4:1-13, we are given a glimpse of the “last days” when God will bring peace and restoration to our world. At that time, people from all nations will learn to follow God’s law and teachings (Micah 4:2). At that time, a big defense budget will not be required because a calm will come over all the nations as they turn their energies to peaceful purposes and abandon war (Micah 4:3). People will live without fear, having security, prosperity, and blessing (Micah 4:4). And God will have taken center stage (Micah 4:1).
Sound too good to be true? Micah assures us that the very mouth of Almighty God had spoken these words (Micah 4:4). These promises came from Him, not just from the prophet. Isaiah uttered the same predictions (Isaiah 2:2-4). The same Spirit gave the same prophecies—things will surely come to pass.
So, as we look forward to that day, may we say, “Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the LORD our God forever and ever” (Micah 4:5). There’s no need to try to conjure up Utopia in this life. We know that in God’s time, He will bring peace to our world.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 16:5-33
More:
Read Isaiah 11:1-16, Zechariah 2:10-11, and Revelation 21:22-27 for additional glimpses into the perfect world that is to come.
Next:
How does God’s promise in Micah 4:1-13 encourage you as you face the imperfections of today’s world? What peace has Jesus brought to your world today?
tony.septimo on September 18, 2013 at 3:50 am
this is good reflection of the passage mentioned and I agree to concepts and interpretation advocated by the author. my only problem is that those “people” who would want to learn of God’s laws (I’m assuming this is post-tribulation and within the 1 thousand year reign of Christ), are they unbelievers? since they still would want to learn God’s law (meaning they haven’t learned it yet) I assume they are. secondly, will this mean that those who survives the Armagedon and has not yet received the mark of the beast can still be saved? arising from such, do we assume again that those that received the mark of the beast though are not killed during the battle of armaggedon are presumed to be consumed by the wrath of God? These are just my thoughts on this passage. probably the problem why preachers don’t usually preach on the prophetic books.
winn collier on September 26, 2013 at 5:23 pm
The good days ahead, that’s hope.