Swords into Shovels

by Brad Duncan

Sometimes I feel optimistic.  This is one of those times.  We can re-frame the doctrines we were taught to use as weapons, and instead use them as instruments of peace and healing.  Back to the intended message of hope.  Back to the good that comes from God.  It's time to end the elitism and hostility that we somehow derive from our faith.  That kind of faith WILL NOT save us.  However, the kind of faith that leads to peace and healing WILL save us day by day.

Isaiah 2: 1-5 The Message Isaiah got regarding Judah and Jerusalem:

There’s a day coming
    when the mountain of God’s House
Will be The Mountain—
    solid, towering over all mountains.
All nations will river toward it,
    people from all over set out for it.
They’ll say, “Come,
    let’s climb God’s Mountain,
    go to the House of the God of Jacob.
He’ll show us the way he works
    so we can live the way we’re made.”
Zion’s the source of the revelation.
    God’s Message comes from Jerusalem.
He’ll settle things fairly between nations.
    He’ll make things right between many peoples.
They’ll turn their swords into shovels,
    their spears into hoes.
No more will nation fight nation;
    they won’t play war anymore.
Come, family of Jacob,
    let’s live in the light of God. [The Message, Isaiah 2:1-5]

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 The Swords Into Plowshares Gallery and Peace Center is Southeast Michigan's unique location for peace and justice related art exhibits as well as a location for a number of peace-related events