Advent 2020 (day 2 of 26)

November 30, 2020

 

Day 2 of 26 of the Advent season! One of the themes of Advent is “expectation.” What do we expect when Jesus returns. Let’s take a look at that world.

 

³ God will judge between the nations
        and settle disputes of mighty nations,
            which are far away.
They will beat their swords into iron plows
        and their spears into pruning tools.
Nation will not take up sword against nation;
        they will no longer learn how to make war.
⁴ All will sit underneath their own grapevines,
        under their own fig trees.
    There will be no one to terrify them;
        for the mouth of the Lord of heavenly forces has spoken.

[Micah 4:3 – 4 CEB]

 

Have you noticed how everyone thinks they are right? When this happens on a national level it can lead to war. What the prophet Micah is saying is that Jesus will judge between nations. This will “settle disputes.” Can you imagine a time when countries will not be bickering over resources, territory, or glory? Let the peace of that idea wash over you.

 

Have you noticed how much nations pour into war, preparing for war, and purchasing? According to CNBC the world spent $1.7 Trillion in 2017 on weapons and military. The last part of verse three tells us of a day when those resources will go into “plows” and “pruning tools.” Another way to understand that is military expense will be put into producing useful stuff, like food.

 

At the tail end of verse three is a stunning promise, “they will no longer learn how to make war.” Not only will the financial and raw resources be redirected but so will the human resources. Armies will be obsolete because Jesus will reign. Let the peace of that idea wash over you.

 

Verse four promises grapevines and fig trees for everyone to enjoy in peace. The peace of Jesus brings plenty. One of the things observed by missionaries has been “social lift.” This is the description of what happens when people, families, and communities follow Christ. When people turn to Jesus and away from sinful patterns it saves money. This savings can be redirected toward upward economic mobility.

 

The peace of Jesus will wash over the world. No war, no terror, and no need to train for war. I cannot even begin to imagine that world. But, God has promised it. God will do it. It all started with the first Christmas when the King of glory invaded this world as a baby. It was seal when the King of glory was crucified and rose from the dead.

 

No wonder peace cannot be found. Peace is something only God can give. It comes with right relationship to Jesus, who is the “prince of peace” (see Isaiah 9:6). This Advent season, if you are “in Christ,” let the peace wash over you.