THE WOLF AND THE LAMB (ADVENT WK 2)
Our songs at Christmas are filled with talking about peace. Verse one of Silent night talks about “sleep in heavenly peace.” Hark the Herald Angels sing has the line that promises “peace on earth, and good will towards men.” Yet, I think it’s safe to say that peace does not describe our world right now.
This is where the words of the prophet Isaiah give us some direction.
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. (Isaiah 11:6-7)
Isaiah is writing to God’s people during a time when they were longing for a King to unite them and to bring peace. Instead of being one united Kingdom, they had splintered into two different kingdoms. They were looking for a King who would protect them from their enemies. The Assyrian empire was making their way towards them and had destroyed anyone in their path.
In his prophecies, Isaiah keeps telling them that God is going to send them a King. And after describing what this king will be like, he then gives them a picture of what life in his kingdom will be like. A kingdom and a world that is at peace.
I know we’ve probably all seen some illustration of a lion and lamb lying down together. It’s so common that it doesn’t shock us anymore. However, this illustration is a powerful one that shouldn’t be passed over.
This king is so good and so powerful, that he can completely change the nature of beasts!
Animals once driven by impulse and instinct, are completely changed and no longer kill. In fact, they live in perfect harmony with each other.
Now let me ask, if this King can do that for animals, how much more can he do for humans?
Could he possibly be able to bring an end to divisions between people, families, communities, churches, and nations? Could he alter the drives and compulsions to fight, divide, and destroy each other?
The Apostle Paul seems to think so. So much so that he told the church in Rome this.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:5-7)
Paul believed that when we call Jesus our King, he can transform us in such a way that it leads to peace with others. He can change our desires and impulses to devour and destroy each other into supernatural unity and acceptance of others.
Invitation: Is there someone that has hurt you that wish you could get back at? Jesus wants to use your experience to turn to him to find peace. He comforts us, but he also invites us to ask him to change our desires.
Instead of revenge, he calls us to be people of peace. Who accept others, as we have been accepted. Even when they don’t deserve it because we didn’t deserve it. Ask Jesus for comfort. Ask him for desire to want blessing for them. Ask him to transform your impulses.
Holy Spirit, give us new desires. May our peace with God flow into our peace with others, Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.
