4 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. 5 All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. (Micah 4: 4-5)
I have been involved in ministry for over fifty years, serving as a
parish pastor, a Synodical bishop, and an interim in two Episcopal
congregations. I have worked tirelessly to strengthen the congregation or
institution where I served, helping it to be a channel for bringing people to
faith in Jesus Christ.
As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate a variety of religious
expressions. I have family members who are Jewish; I have had my life enriched
by Jewish friends. My older daughter lived in India and developed a profound
appreciation for Hindu spirituality. She has enlarged my vision to see Hindu
worship as a way to honor the one God-force that is experience through
many rays or expressions.
My journey to greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of faiths that
make up America brings me to truly appreciate the words of Micah when he
envisions a time when, “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.” The prophet goes on to picture great multitudes of believers, who may
not worship or see things in the same way, but will come together in concord, “All
the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of
the Lord our God forever and ever.”
Jesus once said, “I have
other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they
will listen to my voice ...” [John
10: 16]. I am not sure who makes up the other sheep. I sense that God loves everyone
sitting under his own vine or fig tree. So,
I must never limit the circle of my love and concern.
Lord
sustain us all the day long and bring us to that place where we will dwell in
peace under our own vine. Amen.
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