At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
Jeremiah 3:17-18

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“Give it back! That’s mine!” yells one child at another. “No, it’s not, it’s mine! Mom gave it to me!” the other child screams back. The endless yelling matches. If there is anything to fight over, it seems my children will find it. Many times I have sat in my girls’ bedroom—they share a room—and heard my mother’s voice as I say to them, “You know, your friends will come and go, but your sister will always be here. So as difficult as it might seem, let’s try to get along and grow in friendship.” Sometimes they nod, and other times, they roll their eyes. I always wish I had something more profound to arrest their little hearts into change… But alas, the fighting continues between bouts of peace. 

Sometimes I resent my role as a peacemaker with my children. It can get really tiring. But the other night, as I shared the same sentiment again with them about being sisters for life, I was reminded of my sisters (I have three). While our relationships are imperfect, my mom’s sentiment from when I was young has rung true. Friends have come and gone but they have remained by my side and me by theirs. 

Today’s Scripture brings hope—the hope of restoration in the messianic age. In Jeremiah’s day, this meant returning from exile and rebuilding Jerusalem. However, the ultimate restoration of Israel is in the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21:1-3; 24-26. This picture of a conflict-free land ruled by King Jesus, where all nations are welcome, is comforting. 

We may look around the world right now and at times be discouraged by warring nations and the denigration of human dignity, but just as my mom used to remind my sisters that one day we’d be friends—the prophets reminded Israel, and God reminds us, that one day, all will be made right in the world and peace and joy will reign. 

In the meantime, we can foster peacemaking and promote love of enemies, as Jesus did. This includes acting as the peacemaker in the lives of the little ones whose constant fighting wears on us, knowing that one day, they too could live at peace with one another, maybe even in friendship. 

Next Steps

• When you consider all nations living at peace with one another, what comes to mind? How does this impact your view of the Kingdom of Heaven? 
• Have you started the New Testament reading plan yet? If not, you can find it in the app or on our website. Join in at any time! It’s never too late.