Isaiah 11:7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
Isaiah prophesies world peace. The bear and the lion will eat with their prey. The law of the jungle is gone. God’s peace reigns, even in the animal
kingdom. It’s a remarkable prophecy that seems absurd.
Who has ever heard of a lion eating straw, or of a bear lying down beside a lamb?
Isaiah says that God will bring peace back to a wild and wicked world.
The Earth belongs to Him. God will bring peace in His own way, by His own power, and in His own time.
As Christians, we see this prophecy in the light of Christ’s mission.
He reconciled all of creation to God through His sacrifice.
Jesus brought in a new age of peace, hope, and love.
His message, His ministry, and His mission were all combined to cleanse the universe from sin and to restore all creatures to God.
So, how do we apply a lesson like this?
Reconciliation is important to God and made effective through Christ’s sacrifice.
Our task of reconcilers as followers of Jesus is difficult and humbling.
Our natural tendency is to hate our enemies, but Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.
So our mission is to be like Jesus and promote forgiveness and reconciliation.
Key thought:
We are to extend Christ’s kingdom of peace by promoting forgiveness and reconciliation.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us not just talk about love and reconciliation. Help us to give hope to those who suffer injustice, intolerance, and inhumanity. Help us to heal the Earth through Your words
and Your works. Grant us hearts that seek to help others, and give us opportunities to show Your reconciling and redeeming power to those who know only hatred and vengeance. Amen
