Advent Day 6 – A King of Peace
Isaiah 11:6-9
Jeff B.
As Christmas draws near, a word that comes to mind is “anticipation”. While growing up, I remember anticipating Christmas morning and opening the presents my parents bought for me. As a college student, Christmas meant Christmas Break and a respite from the work of a 20-credit course load.
As a young man working in banking, Christmas meant the end of another fiscal year, and I looked forward with GREAT anticipation to the bonus I would receive as a reward for my hard work that year. And as a father, I became a Gift-giver and looked forward to the joy I’d see on my daughters’ faces as they opened the gifts my wife Mary and I had bought them.
But Christmas took on a whole new meaning for me in 1987 when I met Jesus for the first time. It was through Him I received the ULTIMATE gift – the gift of true life – that helped me overcome the alcoholism that virtually ruined my marriage. And gratefully, Mary and I will celebrate our 45th anniversary on December 2.
Now in my mid-60s, I’ve lived long enough to experience the seemingly never-ending conflicts that perpetuate the hurt and pain human beings inflict upon one another. My heart goes out to the Ukrainians, fighting desperately to live free from Russian oppression. I grieve for those suffering in the war on the Gaza Strip. And I find myself longing for peace – the “peace on earth, good will towards men” – announced 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born (Luke 2:14).
But I am encouraged by the words written some 2,750 years ago found in Isaiah 11:1-9, which anticipates when King Jesus will inaugurate his kingdom and reign with righteousness. Isaiah provides this beautiful picture of the peace that will reign in that day:
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.” (Is 11:6-9; cf 65:24-25)
And while all “creation groans and labors” (Rom 8:22-23) in anticipation of that day, I am reminded of the ADMONITION given to me as a follower of Jesus:
“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil
for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom 12:16-18)
Just as Jesus laid down His life for me (1 John 3:16), I am challenged to “lie down” and live peaceably with all – including those I disagree with and perhaps even dislike. In this way, I can show my appreciation for the gift He has given me.
Drawing by Darion, 3rd grade.