THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 15 The Wolf And The Lamb

“6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:6-9). KJV

Loved ones, in our Spiritual Battle we must have an understanding of the first ten verses of Isaiah chapter 11. This passage could be labeled, “The Kingdom of Christ.” The contrasts of the natural characteristics of animals being compatible with each other is a beautiful poetic expression of inspiration.

However, please understand that none of these dumb beasts will literally have anything to do with the kingdom of Christ. This description of peace and harmony drawn from the animal kingdom can be taken no more literally than can the description of a rod proceeding out of the mouth of Jesus (Isaiah 11:4).

The natural characteristics of the principles in the beautiful descriptions related defy the abnormal behavior expressed. The situation with such creatures was used to illustrate the spiritual peace and safety to be enjoyed by the citizens of the Lord’s kingdom.

The antagonistic nature of the wolf to the lamb would ordinarily result in the death of the lamb and a meal for the wolf. The ordinary result of the fierce leopard seeing the defenseless kid would be the swift demise of the kid and a full stomach for the leopard.

The same consequence would prevail if a lion and a calf were placed in common proximity. The cow and the bear are natural enemies. A little child would have no control over any of the animals if these matters were literal.

It was to be true that in Christ the most vicious of human characters would become friendly toward the opposite kind because of their common relation to Christ and their interest in each other.

The concluding statement of this passage is revealing as to its meaning. Verse 9 underlines the peace that would prevail between elements of both aggressive and non-aggressive character. Again, the nature of this peace IS spiritual rather than physical.

Here is a picture of peace and tranquility, but it is to be found only among those inhabiting God's Holy Mountain. Mountain in prophetic and figurative language means “government,” and here referred to the kingdom of Christ – the church of Christ (Matthew 16:18).

The prophet is not looking to a time when animals of the natural world will be living without enmity, but he is describing the peace of those in Jehovah's holy mountain, the kingdom of God, who have undergone a spiritual and moral transformation. It is in the holy mountain that men shall not hurt or destroy each other.

Neither is the prophet speaking of a time when the nations of the world will no longer be at war with one another. The prophet is describing the carnal nature of man as it is brought under subjection to the spirit and will of Christ. Old things have passed away; men and women have become new creatures in Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17).

This peace would be different from the normal concept of peace: Isaiah describes a situation that should give every person who ever lived, or who will ever live, comfort and hope which can emanate from no other source than the knowledge of the Lord!

There are several observations that can be made in the light of this poetic prophecy:

(1) Using the character of inhabitants of the wild, Isaiah describes the overwhelming viciousness, greed, selfishness, inhumanity and ruthlessness of the power of Satan. Satan works through the instrumentality of man. Therefore, satanic power was exercised by evil men all through the Old Testament period.

(2) The sentence of God upon the serpent in Genesis 3:15 belies the prophecy regarding the sucking child and the "hole of the asp" (Isaiah 11:8). The asp, according to Genesis 3:15, should be the natural enemy of human beings. To present them as being peaceful toward each other does not conform to natural, or expected, conduct especially of the asp.

If a child would be able to safely lead or herd these beasts that had formerly been dangerous, it would illustrate the civilizing influence of the Gospel upon the hearts and lives of mankind. The safe and peaceful condition (spiritually) in the kingdom of Christ was illustrated by this harmony between the babes and the poisonous creatures.

(3) There is natural enmity between the forces of evil and the nature of God. The record of God's people during the Old Testament time reflects an "eye-for-an-eye" principle. Violence attended the Jews constantly. It still does.

(4) The domestic qualities of the lamb, the kid, the calf, the little child represents the peaceful nature of God. Under normal circumstances, it would not be possible for the peaceful, domestic, docile attributes of God to survive against the wild, violent power of Satan.

(5) This peace would differ from the treaties of men in that it would be world-wide. There must be an amalgamating influence to negate the imbalance of power. The resolution of the problem will be in God's holy mountain, and the solution rests and would be known only through the knowledge of the Lord.

We are reminded of Luke's account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2). The shepherds were tending their sheep by night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them in the glory of the Lord, and they were afraid.

The record says: “10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:10-14).

In this celebrated announcement there is the reality of peace between man and God. The advent of Jesus the Anointed One would bring the power to overcome the evils of Satan that terrorized the world.

Jesus would be the peace that would ameliorate the natures of the wild and the tame; the violent and the domestic; the wolf and the lamb; the leopard and the kid. He would be the peace that passeth understanding (Philippians 4:7).

He would be the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah. He would be the balm of Gilead and the conqueror of the power of Satan in His resurrection. He would abrogate the stain of sin. There would be total forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38; Matthew 26:28). Remission of sins would now be a reality, not merely a prospect (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5). The light of life would dispel the darkness of sins (John 8:12).

Isaiah 11:9 says, “…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” This is a prediction of the final and complete extension of the Gospel throughout the world. This prediction was fulfilled according to Romans 10:18; 16:26; Colossians 1:23.

The world of Isaiah's time needed the encouragement of the hope that sometime, even in the distant future, through the promise of God and the lineage of the Jewish people, the Messiah, the Redeemer, would come.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).