A Sneak Peek of the Revolutionary Peace to Come
To say our world in 2025 is divisive would be an understatement. We find so many ways to pit one side against the other. People debate about politics, science, the economy, religion, and the list goes on. Countries fight in wars, terrorist organizations inflict unjustified pain, and racism and hate crimes abound. Even within the church, we argue about all sorts of different issues and ideas. Then, to make matters worse, social media puts everything ON BLAST. An argument between two people gets recorded, then posted, then shared, and all of a sudden, it’s been watched by thousands or even millions of people. Obviously this doesn’t do anything to promote togetherness and unity.
It can surely be discouraging to look around and see this contentious environment all around. We see people at odds with one another, and we feel the tension and anxiety that rises because of it. When the world is at odds, it’s difficult to live with inner peace and rest.
The Bible talks about a coming day when not only will there be unshakeable peace, but that peace will be displayed in unimaginable ways. Read these words from Isaiah 11:
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 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. -Isaiah 11:6-9
You didn’t speed read past any of that, did you? Wolves and lambs will live together in harmony. Babies will happily play right next to a den of cobras. Cows and bears will get together to share meals. Children will put their hands right into vipers’ nests without fear of harm. What!!! That is actual craziness! Can you even imagine? What a world that will be. And to top it off, the world will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.
That last verse sounds like this in The Message translation:
The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide. -Isaiah 11:9
What a thought. What a dream! I absolutely cannot wait. But in the meantime… What do you think Isaiah 11 might sound like in 21st century terminology? Maybe it would read something like this:
The billionaire will live with the homeless, the Arabs will spend time with the Jews, and Democrats and Republicans will work together willingly and peacefully. Parents will bond with their estranged children, and the most vulnerable, powerless citizens will share meals with the leaders of the free world. No one will cause another person pain, shame, guilt or hurt feelings. No one will damage anybody or anything on God’s holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
What a world that will be. A far cry from our world today, but it is surely coming. So the next time you’re feeling discouraged about the injustices, conflicts and division that seems to surround you, just stop for a few minutes and read through Isaiah 11. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and tell Jesus that you cannot wait for His restored kingdom on earth. Remind yourself that better days are ahead! The best is yet to come. The most pronounced enemies will become the most unlikely of friends. What a world that will be.