Slices
Prepare
In a world of increasing stress, anxiety and interpersonal or international conflict, how do you picture peace? What images come to mind?
Bible passage
The mountain of the Lord
2 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2 In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.’
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war any more.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Explore
Most of our readings this week are a mixture of judgement and hope – today’s is solely a message of hope, which is repeated almost word for word in Micah 4:1–3. Did the Holy Spirit give the same message to both Isaiah and Micah who were contemporaries? Did one of them copy the other, or perhaps they were both quoting another anonymous prophet? We don’t know, but the repetition challenges us to take note!
A stereotypical beauty pageant contestant might have claimed that what society needs is ‘world peace’ but without offering any idea what that looks like and how it could be achieved. Here, Isaiah describes the Messiah’s rule as bringing about ‘world peace’. It will be a time when worshipping God will be a central focus throughout the world (v 2). All people will acknowledge God as Lord and will want to follow his ways (v 3). There will still be disagreements and conflicts, but they will be settled fairly and decisively (v 4). Money currently spent on defence and weapons of war can be redirected into food production and ensuring the well-being of all (v 4). We look forward to that time!
Respond
After painting the picture of God’s future reign on earth, Isaiah challenges his readers to be counter-cultural and to choose to live under God’s reign now (v 5). What does it mean to you to ‘walk in the light of the Lord’ today?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 21–23; Ephesians 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Mission Events Co-ordinator Sue Hill asks us to pray for perseverance as she continues to support the rest of the team in clearing volunteers for Scripture Union’s summer holidays and missions. Sue also asks for prayers for all the dedicated volunteers who will generously give their time, energy and enthusiasm to support our events this year.
Could you volunteer on a Scripture Union holiday?
Each year we host action-packed, faith-filled holidays and missions for hundreds of children, helping them create lasting memories while having the time of their lives! Could you take a break from the day job and volunteer with us?
