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 on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isa. 11:6–9
Lord Jesus, more than ever, we crave the Day, and cry out for the world Isaiah describes in this passage. We are so ready for all enmity and hostility, strife and violence to be gone forever. The Day when animals play and nap, not stalk and hide—when carnivores become herbivores.
But as much as we love the vision of Shalom (peace) in the animal kingdom, a gazillion times more we long for the Day when we, your image bearers, will never harm one other again. Your uncountable, every race-and-nation family will love, enjoy, and serve one another perfectly. You won this for us, Jesus, and we will experience it in fullness. Hallelujah, and bring it on.
Indeed, hasten the forever-Day when God’s glory covers the earth like saltwater covers the oceans of the world. We offer no excuses for our prejudice, blame-shifting, ethno-arrogance, and reactionary anger.
Thank you Jesus for not relating to us on an “eye-for-eye basis”; but by a “your-life-for-us Gospel.” You didn’t revile us; you redeemed us. You didn’t show us deserved contempt, but undeserved compassion. Thank you, now and forever, Lord.
Until you return, Jesus, keep us groaning and growing in your grace. Grant us quick repentances, softer hearts, and a passion for reconciliation. May the world recognize us as your disciples by the way we love one another. So very Amen we pray, in your triumphant and tender name.