November 23 | Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-9
- Elaine Pierce
- 9h
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
TITLE
By Elaine Pierce
These passages are forward-looking:
From Chapter 2:
He will teach us his ways...
The law will go out from Zion,
He will judge between the nations...
They will beat their swords into plowshares...
Nation will not take up sword again nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
From Chapter 11:
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse...
The spirit of the Lord will rest on him.
The wolf will live with the lamb
The cow will feed with the bear..
The infant will play near the hold of the cobra...
The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Yes, he is teaching us his ways, but we are still taking up sword against nations. The wolf has not yet settled down with the lamb, and the infant is certainly not playing near the hold of the cobra. These images are full of hope for what this world will be like when Jesus returns. The New Testament interprets the "Branch" as the Messiah (see Romans 15:12, Revelation 5:5).
The Peaceable Kingdom, painted in 1833 by Quaker artist Edward Hicks, is probably the most famous artistic interpretation of Isaiah 11. As you study these verses, take some time to thank God for what our future holds. One day the wolf will lie down with the lamb. Did you notice that the wolf won't be destroyed? God does not change wolves into sheep or vice versa, but he transforms them so they can live in peace with one another.
PRAYER
Lord, the Peaceable Kingdom seems far, far away, and yet I know that your word is true, and that one day, wolves and lambs will live in harmony. War will cease. Nations will be at peace. Thank you for this hope that one day all tears will cease and you will reign in heaven and on earth. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!