“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” Isa.11:9. “The one who fears has not been made perfect in love” 1Jn.4:18.
Lord Jesus, I’ve never craved this Day more—the Day when your glory will fill the earth, and every expression of harm will be gone forever. Traveling and ministering the past 20 days with Darlene in Edinburgh, Manchester, Fahan and Buncrana Ireland has given us palpable glimpses of the beauty of your now-and-coming Kingdom, but has also highlighted the brokenness that remains.
And waking up to news of a 2nd attempt to assassinate former American President Trump further underscores the enmity that remains in our hearts and world. More than ever, we long for the Day when all creation—including the animal kingdom, will declare your truth, goodness, and beauty, Jesus.
But as much as we love the vision of peace in creation, we long a 10,000 times more for the Day when we two-legged image-bearers of God will never again harm one other. Political parties will be replaced with Gospel parties. No one will be used or sold—only welcomed and cherished. There won’t be any more spite, fight, or flight—no more selfishness, racism, or tribalism.
Indeed, hasten the Day when God’s glory will cover the earth like salt water covers the oceans of the world—the Day when knowing the Lord won’t be something we do, but who we are—the Day when we will finally and fully love one another as you love us. We love so partially, selectively, and imperfectly Jesus. We are so ready to see you and be made perfect in love (1Jn.4:18). So Very Amen.
