When Jesus returns to usher in the fullness of his Kingdom, “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 anymore” (Isa 2:4).
“No one will ever bring harm nor destruction anywhere in the new heaven and new earth, for the earth will be covered and filled with the knowledge of the LORD and his glory, even as the waters cover the sea” (Paraphrase of Isa.11:9).
Lord Jesus, right out of the gate, I want to say loud and clear, I hate war. I hate bombast and bombs, narcissism and nukes, world leaders acting like history is a big game of Monopoly. The “war” in Ukraine, and violence in so many parts of our world and culture, highlight this particular Memorial Day. With my friends, I am SO ready for defeated evil to become eradicated evil at your return.
Jesus, single-handedly and whole-heartedly, you paid the price to bring final and full peace into our lives and world. You are Prince of Peace because you came as Lamb of God to make peace between Abba and us, and heaven and earth. Thank you!
Because of your finished work, we live in anticipation of the Day when all swords and spears, tanks and AR-15’s will become shovels, tillers, and tractors. Nations won’t invade and hunt each other but will celebrate and serve one another. Our “forever-curriculum” won’t be war-learning, but love-learning.
All malevolence, meanness, and madness will be un-remembered history. Not one scintilla of petulance, pettifoggery, or pettiness will survive your coming. Every anti-grace thought, word, and deed will be gone forever. Please come soon, Lord Jesus. Until you do, fill our lives with bold kindness and compassionate courage; and renewed, refired love for you. So Very Amen.