Isaiah 11:1-9
Reflect
This beautiful passage was depicted by a 19th century American Quaker artist Edward Hicks called “The Peaceable Kingdom”. In the foreground, one can see the figures from the passage (lion and the ox, etc.), and in the background, there is another scene: American aboriginal people standing together with white settlers, making a peace treaty. The animals and the people in the painting would have been seen as natural enemies, and yet in this Peaceable Kingdom, a reconciliation takes place. This Kingdom is ruled by the Messiah, the branch that sprouted after David’s Kingdom which had been dormant for over 600 years! God can bring what seems dead to life, fulfilling His promise. The Spirit of the Lord took up residence in the Messiah, bringing about the characteristics of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus was always crossing boundaries, teaching His disciples to learn the way of forgiveness and love. People will often see this prophecy as being meant to predict the future, but it can actually change the future!
Apply
How can we reach reconciliation? We need the Spirit of the Lord to take up residence in us, forming in us the same characteristics that are in the Messiah, crossing boundaries, and shaping a new world in which natural enemies are reconciled at the foot of the cross.
Pastor Jerilyn
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Pray through the prayer section in our online program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Eric Peters, Facility Manager; Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Assistant Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.