In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.
Micah 4:1-5

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This Ever Growing Mountain
By Jennifer Kane

Born of the earth’s restless heart,
a mountain rises,
not in haste,
but in the aching stretch of time,
where fire meets stone,
and stone meets sky.

So too the church grows,
born of Spirit’s breath,
not in flashes,
but in steady, sacred steps,
where hearts meet grace,
and grace touches lives.

It grows in silence,
yet speaks with thunder,
its voice a call across the nations,
its breath the prayers
that rise unceasing to heaven’s throne.

Each soul, each life,
a story etched in faith,
the scars of redemption,
the triumph of love.
Tears water its roots,
joy spreads its branches,
and hope settles like glory
on its heights.

The Kingdom is never still.
Even in its quiet moments,
it moves with the rhythm of God’s hand,
its foundation deep, its mission boundless.

It grows not for the sake of growing,
but as a testament
to the power of the cross,
lifting the ordinary into eternity,
until the day the heavens split
and Christ descends,
and all the earth will know
the mountain of the Lord has come.

~~~~~

Scripture: Micah 4:1-5, Isaiah 2:1-4, Matthew 6:33

God’s kingdom is not just a future hope; it is a present reality, growing through His church across the earth. Let us live as citizens of His kingdom now, drawing others to Him.

Micah’s prophecy paints a vivid picture of God’s eternal plan: a kingdom symbolized by a great mountain, exalted above all others, drawing people from every nation to learn His ways and walk in His paths. This imagery of peace, justice, and unity reveals God’s heart for His creation. While the ultimate fulfillment awaits Jesus’ return, this kingdom is already here, present in His church and in the lives of believers.

When Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15), He signaled the beginning of this glorious reality. Through His life, death, and resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the foundation of God’s kingdom was laid. The church became a beacon, the spiritual “mountain” exalted above the hills, drawing people from all nations to encounter the truth of God’s Word.

This prophecy is not merely about geography or politics but transformation. The imagery of swords being beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks speaks of the radical peace and renewal that God brings into lives surrendered to Him. Where there was once conflict, there is now reconciliation. Where there was once division, there is unity. Where there was fear, there is the security of sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree, unafraid.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live as citizens of this kingdom now. Jesus instructs us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This means living with a mindset fixed on His priorities: spreading His Word, making disciples, and reflecting His peace and justice in our daily interactions.

The church is a visible sign of God’s kingdom. As His people, we carry the light of Christ into our workplaces, schools, families, and communities, inviting others to experience His love and truth.

Walking in His paths requires both learning and doing. Spend time in God’s Word, allowing it to shape your heart and actions, and actively seek opportunities to live out His commands.

In a world still marred by division and strife, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), turning “swords into plowshares” in our own relationships. How can you bring reconciliation where there is conflict?

While we eagerly await the day when nations will no longer train for war and God’s reign is fully realized, we are not passive. The church is already part of this kingdom work, pointing to the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

~~~~~

Father God,
You are the Creator of all things, and Your kingdom is a testament to Your love and sovereignty. Thank You for establishing Your kingdom through Jesus Christ and for inviting us to be part of Your divine plan.
Lord, teach me to live as a faithful citizen of Your kingdom. Help me to walk in Your paths, embrace Your ways, and reflect Your love in everything I do. Show me how to be an instrument of Your peace, bringing reconciliation where there is conflict, and hope where there is despair.
May Your kingdom grow in my heart, shaping my desires to align with Your will. Let my life testify to the power of the cross and the beauty of Your grace. Use me, Lord, to draw others to You, shining the light of Your truth in the dark places of this world.
Father, I surrender my plans to You. Teach me to seek first Your kingdom and trust in Your promises, knowing that in You, all things are made new. May I always live with the hope of Your eternal reign, and may my words and actions bring glory to Your name.
Until the day the heavens open and Christ returns, let my life proclaim the truth that Your kingdom is here and will forever endure. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

December 5 2024