Day 7 – March 9, 2022

¹⁷ “Your rulers will no longer oppress you;
I will make them rule with justice and peace.
¹⁸ The sounds of violence will be heard no more;
Destruction will not shatter your country again.
I will protect and defend you like a wall;
You will praise me because I have saved you.

¹⁹ “No longer will the sun be your light by day
Or the moon be your light by night;
I, the Lord, will be your eternal light;
The light of my glory will shine on you.

Isaiah 60:17b-19 (GNT)

God promises a change in leadership from rule by oppression to rule by peace and justice. What do you think “rule by oppression” looks like? How would “rule by peace and justice” be different? Isaiah connects “rule by peace and justice” to a reduction of violence and war. Would it be logical to assume that violence and wars would increase under the “rule by oppression?” Why or why not?

Take a moment to evaluate the “rulers” in your location at the local, state and national levels. What type of rule do they follow? What could you do to make sure they rule by peace and justice?

Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.