Under the Fig Tree; Micah 4:1-5

It's hard to find one word that describes my feelings this past week. "Stunned," maybe. "Shocked," definitely. "Grieving," again. There's been too much to grieve and too little time to mourn it properly. We're all hurting for the families of Robb Elementary School and the community of Uvalde. When I chose to preach from Micah today, I had no idea how it would resonate with the week we've been through. The words of Micah 4:3 likely sound familiar to you. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares." Instruments of destruction are forged into resources to serve the needs of others. But it's his promise in verse 4 that I've felt most pronounced this week. "No one shall make them afraid." It's not just an end of hostility but an end of fear. I want that promise. I want it for school kids, teachers—for everyone! But, while we wait for its fulfillment in Jesus, I seek its presence in myself. I cannot claim to follow the Prince of Peace without seeking peace. On earth, as it is in heaven.