Micah 4:3: “He shall judge between many peoples, / And rebuke strong nations afar off; / 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.”

November 27th, 2021 by Pastor Ed in devotional

This verse sounds familiar to most of us because it is also recorded in Isaiah 2 and because it is inscribed on the wall of the main entrance to the United Nations building in New York City. However, as the UN is a very secular, humanistic organization, they decided to leave off the most important part of the verse, “He shall judge,” which of course refers to the Messiah, the Holy One of Israel, God the Son. It is an attractive verse to any thinking person as it speaks of a coming time when the instruments of war will be made into instruments of agriculture. When Jesus returns to reign on earth, there will be a reversal of priorities for nations as defense will no longer be necessary.

The Old Testament has more than 1800 references to the return of Jesus Christ, while 23 of the 27 New Testament books, with more than 300 verses, refer to the event. According to one poll, 63% of all Americans believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday. We are called to live each day in the expectancy of His return, but also to occupy the land until He comes. There is an interesting illustration of this published in 1822 about the son of a pastor named Colonel Abraham Davenport:

The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkably dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses; the birds were silent and disappeared; and the fowls retired to roost. The legislature of Connecticut was then in session at Hartford. A very general opinion prevailed that the Day of Judgment was at hand. The House of Representatives, being unable to transact their business, adjourned. A proposal to adjourn the Council [Senate or Upper House] was under consideration. When the opinion of Col. Davenport was asked, he answered, “I am against an adjournment. The Day of Judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought.”

Rather than fearing what is to come, we are to be faithful till Jesus returns. Instead of fearing the dark, we are called to be light as we watch and wait.

“LORD, please use us today to lead others to You.”