“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
Are you afraid of spiders or snakes or creatures that bite? Even if we can imagine all the people of the world living in peace, nature still seems to be a violent sphere of “survival of the fittest.” That is the tragedy of how human sin has marred God’s creation. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, the world they were to oversee was also broken. As the Apostle Paul says, “The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:22).
Jesus came to restore peace with God and our fellow humans, and also with the natural world. The prophet Isaiah describes a future when even natural enemies and predators will be at peace. During His earthly ministry Jesus could say to the raging waves, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39) and the sea became calm.
So we marvel still today at the Advent angel’s words, directing the shepherds to go to a baby who was bedded down with the livestock. Advent gives us a glimpse—a brief forward glance—of one day being at peace with all creation.
Jesus came to restore peace with God and our fellow humans, and also with the natural world. The prophet Isaiah describes a future when even natural enemies and predators will be at peace. During His earthly ministry Jesus could say to the raging waves, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39) and the sea became calm.
So we marvel still today at the Advent angel’s words, directing the shepherds to go to a baby who was bedded down with the livestock. Advent gives us a glimpse—a brief forward glance—of one day being at peace with all creation.
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:8-14
Insight
“In keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)
Bible In A Year
- Zephaniah 1-3
- Proverbs 26
- Revelation 8-10
