The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them… They will neither harm nor destroy anywhere on my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with knowing the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isa.11:6–9
Dear Lord Jesus, since every promise God made finds its “Yes!” in you, we bless you for securing the vision Isaiah describes in this imagination-expanding, heart-enthralling passage. Because there’s so much contempt in our world today, it’s hard to imagine—not just the absence of all harm, but also the 100% presence of your glory, grace, and knowing you. For isn’t that how “waters cover the sea”—like, totally?
All violence, predation, and hiding will give way to wolves frolicking with lambs, leopards and goats napping—calves, lions, and young horses strolling together. And we, ourselves, will be marked with childlike wonder and innocence—devoid of all fear of “lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!”
But, Jesus, as much as we love the vision of life in the new heaven and new earth as a “giant petting zoo,” immeasurably more so, we crave the Day when, first of all, we will know, love, and delight in you as fully as you intend (1Jn.3:1-3; Col.3:1-4). And secondly when we will fully love each other as you perfectly love us. The New Command (Jn.13:34-35) will no longer be a command to obey but a delight to live. All contempt, resentment, and meanness will be expelled by the wideness, “long-ness,” broadness, and deepness of your love (Eph.3:18-19). Hallelujah, hasten that Day, Jesus. So Very Amen.