Scripture

“He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4

Reflections

The phrase "War is hell" was first coined by William Tecumseh Sherman, a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.  Those who fought in that war experienced indescribable atrocities and bloodshed and suffering.

No one who believes in a loving God can say that war is good.  Isaiah presents us with an image of what it will be like when God will judge the nations.  War will become obsolete.  Swords will be beaten into plowshares.  Spears will be beaten into pruning hooks.

All the anger and frustration that comes from dealing with the wrongs of war will be taken out on the weapons of war themselves.  Like a blacksmith creating something from wrought iron through the blunt force of beating with a hammer, the people will reshape it all into something that will serve a good purpose.

If you ever get frustrated with the wrongs of this life and the ways in which it creates suffering, imagine yourself with a hammer and an anvil pounding away.  You can even take all that pent-up energy and focus it on reshaping the world you know.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to take something bad and make something good from it.  Keep me mindful of the good future you have in store for me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5