Written by Aune Carlson
In Isaiah 11, the prophet Isaiah is proclaiming a vision of the coming kingdom of God that is counter to the current reality of his hearers. Honestly, who – in their right mind – would allow a child near wolves, leopards, and lions? Who would believe the “outcasts of Israel” and “dispersed of Judah” would be gathered up again (v. 12)? Who would believe that jealousy and hostility would cease among the nations (v. 13)? The coming of the Messiah – the one on whom the Spirit of the Lord would rest, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, of knowledge and fear of the Lord – the Son of God, our Lord, Jesus has changed everything.
May we earnestly pray the words our Lord taught us:
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
But moreover, may we join the work of the kingdom – follow the Son of God, herald the Good News, be a sign and a foretaste of this kingdom where relationships are reconciled, needs are met, peace is restored, and the “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (v. 9).
We encourage you today to be a part of the transformative kingdom-work of Covenant Kids Congo and begin meeting the needs of the world.
