Wolves and lambs will share apartments, leopards will nap with goats, sharks will learn to dance from dolphin, and eagles will take fish and rabbits for rides on their backs. Calves, lions, and yearlings will mingle and little child will shepherd them. Cows, bears, and their little ones, will lie down together, and lions won’t prey on them for lunch, but on straw—like their oxen friends.
Cobras and vipers will be “fangless” and won’t hurt a flea, much less a child. Every form of harm and destruction will be eradicated after Jesus’ return. Why? How? Because the new creation world will be filled with knowing God and his glory. (Expanded Paraphrase of Isa.11:6-9)
Dear Lord Jesus, waking up to the US bombing of Iran is disconcerting, to say the least. That’s not judgment on the decision, but honesty in response to the event. The eternal Day of shalom Isaiah describes in this passage has never looked so good, been more desired, and more needed. How long, O Lord?
As much as we love the vision of peace in the animal kingdom, a gazillion times over we long for the Day when we, two-legged image-bearers of God, no longer harm one other in any way, shape, or form. No more wars or rumors of war, no more nuclear arms or human arms reaching to push the big button. But also no more “us versus them,” no more “I’m a citizen but you’re an immigrant”—for we will all be one BIG, pan-ethnic, from-every-nation, adopted family and beloved children of Abba, Father.
Not just two nations (Israel and America) will be seen as central to your plan, but every nation that has ever existed—for your Bride from all nations will stream into the New Jerusalem. The only parade will be a parade of Grace carrying us Home, and we’ll be riding on tractors not tanks (Isa.2:4). Soon, Jesus, soon. So Very Amen.