gry at one another on the highway. Look at the comment section of al- most any article online, and you will quickly see how people interact with one another. People are constantly at war with one another. Yet the Bible describes a completely different fu - ture. Isaiah 35 speaks of a highway that will be called “the Highway of Ho- liness.” Isaiah 52:7 describes those who proclaim peace, and Isaiah 32:18 speaks of God’s people dwelling in “a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” When I was young and heard these scriptures during services, I imagined a giant highway filled with people traveling peacefully together, with an actual sign that said PEACE. Then we would leave services, get on the real highway—and immediately en- counter people cutting one another off, becoming angry, honking, yell - ing and making obscene gestures! Have you ever associated the words peace and highway? Even the way we travel can reveal how contrary this world is to God’s way. But the coming Kingdom of God will be dif- ferent. The paths of that world will lead people toward peace, safety and quiet resting places. A World Completely Changed What a wonderful time we have to look forward to—a time unlike any- thing we have ever seen or experi- enced. The current condition of this world will eventually be overthrown and replaced when God’s loving gov- ernment is established over the earth.
“Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” The weapons of war will be trans- formed into tools of peace and pro- ductivity. What mankind has tried un- successfully to accomplish through politics, treaties, organizations and military agreements, God will ac- complish through His government. The day pictured by that statue— beating swords into plowshares— will come to pass. But it will not hap- pen because mankind finally figures out how to govern itself. It will hap- pen because Jesus Christ will return to this earth and establish the govern- ment of God. That is what we are celebrating during the Feast of Tabernacles. We are looking forward to a world where the way of peace will finally be known. A world where animals no longer live in fear. A world where nations no longer prepare for war. A world where families, communities and individuals learn to live together in peace. A world where God’s laws are taught, understood and obeyed. That is the future God has promised. God speed that day!
Human beings, animals and the en- tire creation will experience the ben- efits of God’s government. Instead of violence, there will be peace. Instead of competition, there will be coop- eration. Instead of hatred, there will be love. Instead of war, there will be obedience to God’s laws. And instead of Satan influencing this world, Jesus Christ will rule it. Beat Swords Into Plowshares Isaiah 2:2-4 describes the coming Kingdom of God as a time when all nations will look to God for instruc- tion. His law will go forth from Jeru- salem, and He will judge among the nations. Then comes one of the most remarkable promises in the Bible:
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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