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“Thy Kingdom Come”

November 30, 2022

Washington National Cathedral – Photo by Lawrence OP  http://lawrenceop.tumblr.com

Isaiah 2:1-11 | 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 | Luke 20:19-26

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.  Isaiah 2:4

We often hear these familiar words of the prophet Isaiah (echoed in the book of the prophet Micah) in the midst of international conflict. I get a visceral feeling when I read this passage. I can imagine myself standing with the blacksmith as he prepares his forge – his satisfaction in transforming an instrument of death into a farm tool that will be used to nurture his community. Maybe he or someone he knows has been a victim of the sword’s violence? Maybe he made the sword, and now has regrets? With him, we pray that destruction may end and peace prevail.

It’s such a powerful image that the prophet Joel actually uses it in reverse – he advocates for turning plows into swords and pruning hooks into spears! Biblical scholars believe the writing of Joel predates the writing of Isaiah, so Isaiah may have been ripping off Joel – but that’s for a different blog. In the same context however, I am reminded that Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying: “Those who beat their swords into plowshares usually end up plowing for those who kept their swords.” That seems cynical, but I’d bet that there are many folks in Kiev today who share his point of view.

For a broader interpretation of Isaiah’s words, it helps to read earlier in the passage. Why have the people begun transforming weapons into farm tools? Have they negotiated a “perfect peace” with their enemies that they trust will endure forever? Not likely.

Isaiah (the prophet) is speaking of the days to come when the Lord will establish his house on the highest mountain and people will flock to learn His ways. The word of the Lord will flow from Jerusalem, and He will be the judge of the nations – He will arbitrate all grievances, ending any need for war. The words of Isaiah are aspirational and anticipate the coming of the Kingdom of God.

In the Lord’s Prayer we pray “Thy kingdom come”. I have always been attracted to the belief that the Kingdom of God is already here – just not yet. We anticipate the coming of the kingdom – like Isaiah. (Advent is the season of anticipation). We aspire to live into God’s kingdom – like the blacksmith beating those swords into ploughshares.

Every now and then I believe we are given the blessing of a small glimpse into the Kingdom of God. Father Tim has spoken of moments when the veil between our world and the Kingdom of God becomes very thin, and we are able to sense that which is beyond our understanding. I have experienced such moments… and I have listened with reverence to some of your stories of similar experiences. I don’t know of a way to anticipate or hasten the arrival of these moments; but I do believe that as we grow into relationship with our God – our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer – we may become more aware of God’s presence in our lives. I think it also helps to pray and be grateful.

It’s also possible that by beating our own swords – those sharp pointy thoughts and words we direct at others – into ploughshares of forgiveness and understanding, we will edge closer to God’s Kingdom.

Paul Brookes