From Swords to Ploughshares

In the North Garden at the United Nations Headquarters in New York stands a bronze sculpture known as “Let Us Beat Swords Into Ploughshares”. Created by Evgeniy Vuchetich in 1959 it depicts a man hammering a sword into the blade of a plough - a weapon of war being turned into an agricultural tool. Sculptures like this are powerful symbols of peace and are designed to inspire future generations of peacemakers.

Some examples of this concept becoming a reality include after World War Two when military surplus tanks and armoured vehicles were converted into tractors. The world’s first chemotherapy drug, Mustine was developed from the chemical weapon Mustard Gas used in World War One.

Sadly, these faint glimmers of hope are being constantly overshadowed by the continuing chaos and destruction of war in many parts of the world. This leaves many of us asking whether there is any real hope of peace in the world?

The imagery on display in the sculpture is taken from the Bible when the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that “in the last days… many nations will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up their sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2v1-5)

Isaiah was not primarily telling his hearers what they should do. He is painting a picture for them – and us – of what God will do. He is speaking of a day still to come, when the kingdom of God will be established once and for all. A kingdom of peace where people are reconciled, first to God, and then to one another. A kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, through whom anyone can be reconciled and welcomed in. A kingdom which we are called to make known now as we pray for peace and strive for justice. 

Remembrance is a time when we call to mind the sacrifices of so many who gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today. As we look back with thanksgiving, let’s also look forward with hope. Hope that the ultimate sacrifice made for us on the cross, will achieve the final reconciliation we all long for. Hope that faint glimmers will one day become real and bright and lasting.

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