Really?

Isaiah 2:4 . . .  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.

Isaiah 2:4

Romans 13:11-12 . . . salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:11-12

Isaiah paints an impossible picture, really – a world where war does not exist, where museums are the only places to see military weapons. Such a world would also have no hunger, since not having the means to survive is one thing that drives nations to war. Can we really imagine a world like that – a vision that scripture paints so many times? Paul writes to the Romans that this full salvation, when God will renew all of creation, is “nearer” than it was, ready to break in. Do we really believe that?

What would we act like if we did? Would we drop our works of darkness, as though they might blister us? (What “works of darkness”? I can think of some over-spending and over-expecting at Christmas that would have to go from my life. Isn’t it interesting that a day of mammoth shopping is called Black Friday?)

Is it possible to see so clearly what God seeks for the world and its people that we are eager to put on the armor of God’s light? And do things, even small ones, to bring that light? Really? Are we afraid to embrace God’s vision for the world because we might have to change?

I know that question scares me, really. But I hope to get beyond my fear.

God’s peace,

Katie