god makes all things new
"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all My holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord." —Isaiah 11:6-9
Can you picture this image? The Republican is a guest of the Democrat. The baby in the womb and the abortionist are friends; the liberal and the conservative dine together in harmony. Palestinians and Israelis send their border patrols home. There is no need for mandatory child protection training. Divorce is unheard of, because all husbands and wives are living in joy and peace.
This scene is what we await as Christians. We believe God will bring about His kingdom of peace, in which people are so transformed in Jesus that mortal enemies become friends and co-workers. Those who prey on others shall have a totally new and different nature in Jesus (Gal 6:15). Lest we become skeptical, the above scenario has happened throughout salvation history (see e.g. Acts 9:18, 26-28; 10:13-15, 25ff; Mt 9:9-10; Jn 4:9, 39-42).
Skepticism melts in the glory that is fear of the Lord. Stand amazed at the omnipotent, almighty, loving-kindness of our God. Delight in the fear of the Lord (Is 11:3). Receive a new nature in Jesus (2 Cor 5:17).
Prayer: Lord, You have overcome the world (Jn 16:33). May I be overcome by awe in Your presence and never doubt You again.
Promise: "Many prophets and kings wished to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." —Lk 10:24
Praise: Alice has built her life around Jesus and has received Him daily in the Eucharist for forty years.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 30, 2014
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