Today’s scripture: Isaiah 2:1-4 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
Can you imagine a day when there will be no more war? Isaiah had an image that I think most of us would love to live into right now! War is over!
I don’t get the image of just physical war, but also the divisive nature of our lives. Imagine – we no longer battle over words and denigrate others who are different or think different. Imagine – we treat each other with kindness and respect, and we don’t allow disagreements to bring about the worst of us. Imagine – we show each other mercy, give each other grace, and are more interested in what it means to love each other and forgive each other.
In Isaiah’s image, people are going up the mountain to be taught God’s ways and walk in God’s path. Isaiah was seeing the last days in this image. One could say that Israel had several last days. The temple was torn down. The people of Israel were scattered. The struggles in and around Israel seem to be unchanged even in today’s world.
As I read this passage, I can’t help but think of Jesus as the one teaching us God’s ways and showing us to walk in God’s path. That is what his teachings were all about. Peace was a big part of his message. Kindness, forgiveness, mercy and living well were part of his menage too. Jesus was teaching a kind of tolerance that was new and different. As we live into this, each and every one of us, it is not so difficult to imagine a world where this would result in peace. But we are not there yet.
How am I doing? Jesus teachings are there in the Bible for us to read and study. How are we supposed to forgive? How are we to resolve conflict? How are we supposed to Love? Going to the mountain and learning God’s ways and walking the path is as easy as easy as opening up the Bible, our heart, and our mind. Talk about it with your friends or small group. How are we doing?
Thought for the day: What have I learned from Jesus teachings that moves me one step closer to living Jesus way and walking Jesus path?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.