Paul the Poke

Micah 4:3 And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war. See also Isaiah 2:4.

The statue above was given to the United Nations from the defunct Soviet Union. The statue is to symbolize the ideals of the verse above. The UN does not have the first clue about achieving peace. Violence and war have exploded across the planet on their watch.

Family and friends lost to death or permanently injured. Dreams never realized. Mourning, pain, and tears left as a consequence. Lives changed forever…

Look at the instruments of war in the three verses below: chariots, horses, bow, swords, boots, cloaks. These were the weapons of war in Biblical times.

Think of all the money that is spent on war and casualties today. Per Nationalpriorities.org, the United States spent roughly $600 billion on the military budget and $160 billion on veteran’s benefits in 2015. This includes military schools and war colleges. Funds are required to run the Department of Defense and the Pentagon. Dollars are spent on hardware (tanks, planes, missiles, ships, etc.), supplies (gas, food, water, etc.), and clothing.

Zechariah 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Hosea 2:18b …I will remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, so you can live unafraid in peace and safety.

Isaiah 9:5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

In the Millennial Kingdom, peace will have no boundaries and will be extended throughout the world. Moneys and resources designated for war will be redeployed to economic growth, technology, and advancement. There will be no more military surplus stores.

There will be no need for border patrols and walls. Isaiah 60:18 Violence will not be heard again in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation, and your gates praise.

Security systems and guard dogs will be a thing of the past. Isaiah 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places.

Isaiah 66:12a For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream.”

Humanity has never known a time without bloodshed or war. It started immediately in Genesis 4 when Cain killed Abel. It has only escalated till now in 21^st century culture: murder, stabbings, terrorism, missiles, invasions, wars, rumors of wars… You know the drill. We watch, read, and hear about it every day. For now (February 2016), we will keep fighting.

But, human hostility will come to an end. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.