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Prepare: Ask God to open your eyes to see his future today.
War and peace
From yesterday’s oracle of terrible destruction we turn with some relief to the vision of a restored Jerusalem and a world at peace. If the vision of a vengeful God appals us, the vision of a world at peace might amuse us with its naivety. Surely, we say, war, like the poor, will always be with us?
The prophet insists that the day will come when humankind will look to God’s people for instruction and their disputes will be negotiated, not by armed conflict, but by God’s Word. Such a vision is intended to galvanise our energies towards two great gospel imperatives: world mission and global peace and justice.
Prince of peace
These are not alternatives, but companions in the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, who is the great teacher (v 3), is also the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and it is no wonder that among his followers have been the most committed of workers for peace. When people are living by God’s instruction, then there is no need to learn the craft of war (v 4).
In a world that will need in 50 years’ time to produce half as much food again as at present, it’s ploughs we shall need, not bullets; irrigation, not bombs. The vision of Isaiah gives us hope to work towards such a world.
Respond: ‘Lord, may your kingdom of peace come on earth, as it is in heaven.’
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-27
War and peace
From yesterday’s oracle of terrible destruction we turn with some relief to the vision of a restored Jerusalem and a world at peace. If the vision of a vengeful God appals us, the vision of a world at peace might amuse us with its naivety. Surely, we say, war, like the poor, will always be with us?
The prophet insists that the day will come when humankind will look to God’s people for instruction and their disputes will be negotiated, not by armed conflict, but by God’s Word. Such a vision is intended to galvanise our energies towards two great gospel imperatives: world mission and global peace and justice.
Prince of peace
These are not alternatives, but companions in the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, who is the great teacher (v 3), is also the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and it is no wonder that among his followers have been the most committed of workers for peace. When people are living by God’s instruction, then there is no need to learn the craft of war (v 4).
In a world that will need in 50 years’ time to produce half as much food again as at present, it’s ploughs we shall need, not bullets; irrigation, not bombs. The vision of Isaiah gives us hope to work towards such a world.
Respond: ‘Lord, may your kingdom of peace come on earth, as it is in heaven.’
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-06-27
Scripture
About this Plan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
