Swords into plowshares
Day 460, Friday, Nov. 14
Micah 3 – 5
Some of the most hopeful words in Micah come in 4:3-4, which says, “He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.”
This vision of peace for the future is not one of conquest; Israel will no rule over other nations and impose its worship on them. In 4:5 we read, “All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.
God’s vision for the world is one of peace.
Chapter 5 contains a messianic prophecy in verse 2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Friday meditation
Psalms 26:1-12
Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me.
My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.
Prayer focus
Let us be people of peace, God, both inside and out.