Hope for a Future Peace

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Scripture: Isaiah 2:4

And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.

Insights: Today we conclude our thoughts regarding the hope we have in Jesus. Notice with me our eternal peace begins with judgment. In other words, Jesus will first be the judge of the saints at His bema seat judgment. After this judgment comes the Great White Throne judgment which is reserved for those who will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. When this judgment is over, God will then usher in His eternal peace. At that time in eternity's history there will be no more need for sword and spear. These weapons of destruction and death will be transformed into instruments of life. In other words, we will use the plowshare and the pruning hook to cultivate and nurture instead of killing. There are those who foolishly believe we can obtain peace here on this side of eternity. The truth is that ever since the fall, man has been at war. Cain killed Abel and the world has seen violence ever since.  There is a day coming, however, in which all of this killing will come to an end.  It is the day in which the Lord Jesus announces His eternal authority and begins His reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords.  We, who have received Him as Savior and Lord, will live under His peaceful reign forever and ever.  This day of which I speak is a hoped for day.  I pray you long for it as much as I.  Until that day comes, Jesus promises us peace in our hearts here on this side of eternity.  Paul describes it as a peace that surpasses understanding.  It is a glorious state of contentment in the midst of difficult and unbearable situations.  Only by having a relationship with Jesus are you able to have this kind of peace.  If you have never met Jesus, I encourage you to meet Him today.  He will give you a hope for your future.

Questions:

 1. Have you ever experienced the peace of the Lord in your life?

 2. As you imagine a future in Christ without war and strife, what kind of emotions are stirred within you?

Prayer: Father, I long for that day of eternal peace with expectant hope.  You are my fulfillment of peace and I can’t wait to see You face to face.  Amen.

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