FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2021 - LOVE WINS

 FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2021 - LOVE WINS

Welcome to my first blog of 2021!!  And, since it is a Friday, we’re going to look at LOVE WINS!!

Let’s look at Isaiah 11:6-8

“On that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.”

The Peaceable Kingdom is the name of the painting by EdwardHicks.  Wikipedia gives a quick introduction to Hicks.

“Edward Hicks (April 4, 1780 – August 23, 1849) was an American folk painter and distinguished religious minister of the Society of Friends (aka "Quakers"). He became a Quaker icon because of his paintings.”

This hasn’t happened yet.  Last week, I talked about the “Prince of Peace” - as I interpret the painting, it fits well with the concept of the Prince of Peace.  The wolf and lamb laying down together.  In most cases, the wolf would see the lamb as food.  Likewise, the leopard with the baby goat, the cow grazing near the bear, and a child to lead them.

So, how do I envision this?  The wolf and the lamb getting along?  It must be a miracle!!!  And, it is.  If we take the concept that Isaiah was divinely inspired to write this (like he did with “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”). 

We have the concept of a kingdom, a world, with peace - without the natural enmity that exists between these animals - and (unfortunately) between various groups of humans.  “Hate is strong and mocks the song of ‘Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men” (from the Christmas song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day).  Can peace exist between Black Americans and the Police?  Can peace exist between Republicans and Democrats?  Can peace exist between the anti-abortion and the pro-abortion groups? Can we have dialog and real LOVE between all people and all creation?  

And, Micah 4:3-4

“The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away.  They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nations will no longer fight against other nations, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear.”

And, finally 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 

Karen (always the Pollyanna), likes the promises in these verses - peace, perfect peace, no wars, no hatred, and love!!

As we start this New Year - 2021, let us work towards LOVE, towards Forgiveness, towards Peace - starting within ourselves and emulation out to others!!!

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!

Karen