Advent 1:2. 2 December 2013

by Teaching Pastor Eric Thompson

...many peoples shall come, and say:
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths."
For out of Zion shall go the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall decide disputes for many peoples;
and 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.

Isaiah 2:3-4

     War is everywhere. The 150th anniversary of our Civil War scrolls by as the days pass. We honor the living veterans of conflicts in Europe, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We see present-day conflicts playing out in Syria, Sudan, Egypt, Lybia, and a host of other places where hostilities are exchanged. The world gets jitters as sanctions are eased against Iran.

     Even beyond the troubles of international politics and diplomacy, nations struggle to figure out how to enact policies that ensure peace and justice. Most end up trying to have one at the expense of the other. No nation has figured out how to strike the right balance between freedom and regulation that allows everyone to thrive without oppressing or exploiting those who are weaker or in the minority. Part of this is because of sin--man's own selfish pursuits. Another part is because of the foolishness brought on because of sin's presence. We lack wisdom. When we lack wisdom, force becomes necessary.

     Isaiah received a motion picture from God. People of every nation were encouraging each other to go to hear wisdom and instruction from the Creator of the universe. Rather than fighting over their disputes, they came to have them settled before the ultimate Wisdom of the ages. The One who holds this wisdom has given it to us in his Word.

Take some time to consider the following questions. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

     What deep conflict have you experienced, and/or what injustice have you witnessed? What will change when sin is eradicated? How might you express your worship and praise to God for the healing from sin he has already brought in your life?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

     God, eternally wise and perfect in justice: it is no wonder that Isaiah saw himself as unclean when he caught a glimpse of your presence! We, too, are unclean until you cleanse us. You have brought cleansing to our race through the gift of your Son, the promise fulfilled that paves the way for the coming reality described in these verses. We look forward to the day when the implements of war are useless. As you show me where my own actions lead to brokenness I will yield to the truth of your Word and trust in the power of your Spirit to transform me into an instrument of righteousness. Today let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. By the name of Jesus in whom I am saved, Amen.