This place in history seems to lack basic peace, calm, and order. Strife abounds on every side bombarding us with its hopelessness. Chaos is the reigning tyrant. Hope feels like a long-lost friend. But, don’t despair because an incredible future awaits.
Isaiah, a prophet who speaks much about a future peaceful era, offers this hope: “For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the tress of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12) This Scripture speaks hope to an amazing kingdom of peace that follows a season of tribulation. This hope is hinted at by Daniel, preached by Jesus, and prophesied by John the Beloved. This future time will be so glorious that joy and peace will overflow to nature itself, causing a spontaneous celebration.
Can we imagine a peace that will be so pervasive that creation will be obligated to express its joy? Trees will clap their branches to celebrate the Creator and King. Mountains and hills will sing their praise to the glorious God Who reigns on earth. The King of Peace will create a peace so thorough that creation will have to celebrate.
Despite the disturbance of this season in history, a grand future lies just around the next bend in the road. We will venture out with joy. We will be led forth with peace. And with creation, we will celebrate the King of Peace. This is going to be a great kingdom!
