He shall judge between many peoples,
     and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;
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; (Micah 4:3)

              As Micah flexed his prophetic voice, the nation of Israel was divided, its land threatened by rising empires, and its religious leaders corrupt and neglecting their duties. Things were looking pretty grim.

              It wasn’t always this way, however. Not that long ago, David and Solomon ruled over a strong and united Israel. The city of Jerusalem grew in power and prestige. The great temple was built and the people’s relationship with God was strong.

              I imagine people longed to return to those good old days.

              God says, “Not so fast.”

              God’s vision was for something even better.

              God’s vision was for rulers and religious leaders who cared for and focused on the needs of the people. People worshiped God with sincerity and transformed hearts. It was a vision of peace and justice where the people would, “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with their God” (Micah 6:8).

              As our own world faces its share of challenges today, can we catch a glimpse of God’s full vision for the future? Can we imagine something even better than an over glorified past that may not have been so glorious for everyone?

              Let’s start with imagining a world where swords are transformed into farm equipment and we forget how to make war. Where could the world go from there?