Listen

God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then 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.

Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the Lord’s light.

Isaiah 2:4-5

Think

Nations are known by their rulers. It is the ruler who determines the might of the people and thus the prowess of its armies. Yet, there is a day of hope on the horizon when all nations will have but one Ruler and Judge. Battles will cease and armies will dissolve under God’s dominion and reign – weapons are made into instruments that produce life and harvest, a covenant of peace will be upon the heart and in our hands. The prophet provides a vision to God’s people of what it looks like to walk in the Light of the Lord.

Sadly, we can become accustomed to a world that has embraced darkness so much that we forget what happens when we choose to walk in the Light. This Light is given as a gift to be shared with those who are encompassed in and by the gloom of this world. It is to provide a path that leads to hope and life where God alone rules our hearts and guides our way.

Miriam Phillips-Stephens

Pray

Ruler and Judge of the nations, may this world turn to you as your light shines in the darkness.

Allow your people – including me – to know your peace and live in hope that overshadows the gloom and invites others to follow in your way.

Amen.

Go

Believe that God’s word is active in you and in the world that God has not ceased to love.