Isaiah Chapter 11

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.”

To some, verses 6 to 9 are more captivating than the other verses in the chapter.  

We are intrigued, pondering whether these verses should be read literally, figuratively, metaphorically, or spiritually.  Will we see a restoration to the state before the fall of man, where all creatures great and small lived in harmony in the kingdom of God, just like in the Garden of Eden.  Or is it more accurate to argue that the animals or rather the qualities of these animals are used to describe the different types of human behaviour and thoughts.  For that, we may point to instances where animal references are made on humans such as:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents just and harmless as doves.”  (Matthew 10:16)

Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’ (Ezekial 38:13)

Did we miss the main message of the chapter and the teachings that it holds with regards to our spiritual cultivation.  What are the qualities of the Messiah, qualities that God desires in each and every one of us, children of God who aspires to imitate Christ (1 Cor 11:1)

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

If Micah 6:8 is a simplified answer on what God hopes to see in us, recipients of His manifold goodness and blessings, Isaiah 11 provided deeper insights on the same hope. 

“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

His delight is in the fear of the Lord,
And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,
Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;”

Are we led by the Spirit of God, does His Spirit fill us, do we rely on His wisdom and understanding in charting our life, in making life’s many decisions, do we have the fear of the Lord.  The ‘self’ is clearly no longer evident nor in control but rather submissively and humbly walking with the Lord.  

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins,
And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Just like a belt is an important clothing accessory that we put on daily.  An accessory that is both function and aesthetic – holding up our pants or skirt as well as making us looks more presentable and attractive.  Are these two qualities with us at all times?  Are they put to good use or do we put them on for show only, occasionally leaving them in the wardrobe at home.

Sadly, we literally regard them like a piece of our garment, exercising faith and righteousness only when we think it is fitting and putting them away when we think otherwise.  

May the Spirit of the Lord guide us, as we strive to be perfect just as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

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