Nations Shall Not Learn War Any More

This meditation is based on a passage for October 20, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Micah 3:9-4:5

Reflection and Question: With slight variations this same hopeful prophecy of nations learning war no more is also in Isaiah 2:2-4. That this harmony is no more present now than it was when Micah invited believers to go up to the house of the God of Jacob brings us despair. However, this despair gives way to commitment to walk in the name of the Lord. We can hasten the day when we beat our swords into plowshares by being faithful, streaming to God’s instruction, to the word of the Lord. If we do that, then no one can make us afraid because all else is in God’s hands. How do you walk in God’s name?

Prayer: God of all ages, You promised through Micah that Your people would sit under their own vines and no one would make them afraid. We draw to ourselves this promise though we are not likely to sit under a vine. Still, hear our prayer. Amen.