Begin with the End in Mind

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Isaiah Says

Isaiah 2:2-4

In days to come
    the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
    and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3     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 forth instruction,
    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
    and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
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.

Some Thoughts

These words are a promise to Israel. They are yet to be fulfilled, but should be anticipated as God’s gracious action toward our world.

As we apply them to our lives, there are key issues to keep in mind. Below are some thoughts from John Oswalt on this passage.

TAUGHT – The going is for the purpose of being taught and the being taught is for the purpose of walking. Unless God teaches we cannot walk, but unless we come he cannot teach.

JUDGE – What is it which accounts for wars and all those lesser hatreds which lead up to war? It is unbridled self-centeredness. When a person, or a nation, decides that they must supply their own needs and that they are a final judge both of what his legitimate needs are and how those needs may be met, the weaker are trampled and violence results.

PEACE – Where does peace come from? From the recognition that God is the source of all good, that our needs and our destiny can be submitted to his judgment, and from the knowledge that he does all things well.

The Third Step prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous is a great place to begin for beginning well. Please join me in praying it from the heart.

Today’s Prayer

The Third Step Prayer

God, I offer myself to Thee-
To build with me
and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them may bear witness
to those I would help of Thy Power,
Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
May I do Thy will always!

Comments

Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment or a prayer of your own to encourage us all. Thanks.