Micah 4:4 (NIV)
Each of them will sit under his vine. And under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.
Have you ever heard of the Reverend Peter Marshall? I admit I had not, but I came across his website (www.petermarshallministries.com) while searching for information about America’s founding father, George Washington. I had just finished reading a recent book on Washington by Joseph Ellis entitled “His Excellency: George Washington” and wanted to find out more about Washington as a Christian. Marshall’s website states that “My life and ministry is dedicated to helping to restore America to its Bible-based foundations through preaching, teaching, and writing on America's Christian heritage and on Christian discipleship and revival.” Marshall researched and wrote a series called “Was George Washington a Christian” where he writes compelling evidence that indeed George Washington was a strong Christian and refutes what many historians believe in that Washington was a deist. A deist believes that God created the world, then ignored it and never got involved in human affairs. Thus, a deist rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ, the inspiration and authority of the Bible, and the personal nature of God. Washington was NOT a deist, but, in fact, was a devout Christian man although he chose to keep his personal life very private. One interesting tidbit about Washington is the fact that he first said the phrase “so help me God” in his oath to become the first president of the United States. He also is credited with this quote: "It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
Micah 4:4 was George Washington’s favorite verse of the Bible because he quoted the words from this verse more than any other verse of the Bible in many of his writings. He was away from his beloved Mt. Vernon estate for 8 years (1775-1783) serving his country, leading America to its independence from England. Missing his home, like you would if you were away from home for as long as he was, Micah 4:4 gave the imagery of contentment and peace, living a simple life of domestic tranquility. Micah 4:4 describes the last days when the Lord will establish His kingdom on earth when all nations will honor Him. The expression “sitting under the vine tree and the fig tree” reflects peace, contentment and harmony that all people will enjoy under the protection of God.
Imagine the time when peace and harmony will define the earth. Doesn’t seem possible right now with all the problems our nation faces every day with war, terrorism, crime, disasters, economic turmoil, and everything else going on. And then there are all the personal problems you face everyday. Yet someday the Lord promises that there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain (Rev 21:4). Someday the Lord promises that everlasting peace will occur here. “Nations will not lift up sword against nation and never again will they train for war” (Micah 4:3). This is the imagery our great founding father, George Washington thought about during his many years of personal struggle leading the United States of America to its independence. This is the imagery that each of us can hope for through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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