The Lion And The Lamb

Psalm 4:8 – I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (NKJV)

We have a Yellow Labrador retriever that weighs 95 pounds. We also have a new kitten. The kitten weighs at the most 3 pounds. When I am alone in the house and working from our home-based office, the dog will lie near my desk. On this particular day, the dog was asleep by my desk, when I looked down and, much to my surprise, there — cuddled into the dog — was the kitten. They both lay like this for about half an hour, in total harmony.

This scene reminded me of the picture that we are given of the harmony in nature that will characterize God's re-created world:

Isaiah 11:6-9 – 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. (NKJV)

As incredible as it is to think of natural enemies living peacefully together, the only way that hostile humans can do this is to live in union with Christ, the Prince of Peace. Someday, "every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:11 NIV)

As we reflect this day on God's design for peace, let us look to the wonder of His creatures living in peace as an inspiration.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be more aware of how those in Your kingdom were meant to live. Help us to live our lives in harmony and in fellowship with others. Bless us as a people, and we thank You for Your love and mercy that You give so freely to us. Amen.

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