| “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [young goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling [fat domestic animal, like a young cow] together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox” (Isaiah 11:6-7). |
| In the world in which we live today, many animals prey upon other animals, and eat them as their food. Some animals are called herbivores, for they eat grass, leaves, and other vegetation. But others are carnivores, for they eat meat, and prey on other animals. This is part of the effect of sin in this world, and although it is the way the world operates today, it is not according to the mind of God. |
| After we are called home to be with the Lord at His coming for us, the Lord Jesus will come to judge this world. After the judgment is completed, God will set up what is called the millennium. This is a time of a thousand years when the Lord Jesus will rule as King over this world, and will have His rightful place. He was rejected when He came the first time, but when He comes back again in judgment, He will come in power and glory, and take the place that belongs to Him. |
| When this happens, quite a few things will change in this world, and we see one of them in our verses today. Animals will not fight with one another, or prey on one another, in the millennium. Today, a wolf will always attack a lamb, and a leopard will attack a goat, but in the millennium they will live together. A lion will always attack a calf or a cow, but in that day the lion will eat straw (or grass) like the ox. Today the teeth of carnivores like lions, wolves, and leopards are adapted for eating meat, but in that day they will change, and be fit for eating grass and straw. Hawks and eagles will not go after squirrels and mice, and cats will not catch birds. Instead of being afraid of wild animals, a little child will be able to lead them. |
| What a wonderful time awaits this earth, when the Lord Jesus comes and reigns! You and I will be heaven, but we will be able to see and enjoy all this wonderful blessing on the earth. |
