| I picked this passage because it includes some of the most beautiful images in The Bible. In fact, many of these words have been set to music. Our choir has sung such anthems as “Creation will be at Peace” and “A Little Child Shall Lead Them.”
One of the first Christmas ornaments I ever bought shows a lion lying down with a lamb in the Peaceable Kingdom. It always gets a prominent placement on my Christmas tree. Yes, there are disturbing lines in this passage too. I doubt that I will try to find an ornament depicting a child putting its hand in the adder’s den even when creation is at peace.
Jesus is the “shoot” that will come out of the stump of Jesse. A few weeks ago Rev. Sean preached a sermon about the Biblical Ruth and Boaz. They are the grandparents of Jesse, who was the father of King David, second king of Israel. Jesus is the “branch that shall grow out of his roots.” When he comes to set up his peaceable kingdom on earth, he will judge with righteousness, equity, and faithfulness. He will also “strike the earth” and “kill the wicked”—more disturbing lines. “His delight will be in the fear of the Lord.”
I don’t think this means we should be terrified. It’s not that kind of fear. Perhaps fear means “awe” rather than fright or dread. (Didn’t we discuss this in a recent Bible study?) When he makes his judgment, those who have helped the poor and downtrodden will be okay. The wicked oppressors will experience his wrath. Interesting, because of all the so-called sins that some of our countrymen want to legislate against, these are not mentioned. The sin here is in mistreating those who are less fortunate.
This is not where I expected to go when I began writing this. I was hoping to find peace in this troubled and often disappointing time. But peace has to begin within each individual. We bring peace as we respect each other. |
