Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
These verses at first may seem shocking to both the hearer and the reader. Here, two things are brought together that at most times would be a danger to one another. This is the foreshadowing of the Kingdom of God, that is to come to the world.
Today amidst our violence we pray that we too may resemble this scripture in our lives. We pray for those that are at odds with one another may get along well and learn to live peacefully, even in disagreement. May people of all faiths come together in a common collective to serve their sisters and brothers so that everyone is treated with love and respect.
Unfortunately, the violent acts of people have tarnished the reputation of an entire group of people, at this present time it is Muslims. There are many Christians as well that carry out acts of terror, but for some reason this gets overlooked. University Lutheran in East Lansing is a great example of faithful people working together regardless of their faith.
Let us pray.
Dear gracious God, we give thanks for all we have and ask that you guide us in this time of uncertainty. May we reach out to our neighbors in loving compassion with your good news. Amen.
a mysterious way 