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. -Isaiah 11:6

Dear Friends in Christ,

On a beautiful sunny day a number of summers ago, a group of children and mothers were gathered around the lion and lamb statue in front of our church. I told them they were welcome to pet the statue if they liked and the kids rushed forward. One of the boys said how much he liked the lion. When his mother pointed out the lamb, he stepped back and asked “Why are a lion and lamb sitting together?”

The mother shrugged and looked over at me. My mind raced over the scripture verses from Isaiah as well as the theme of peace which is found in both the Old and New Testaments and I prayed that my words could do all those profound concepts justice.

“Because they’re friends and want everyone else to be friends too,” I replied. The answer satisfied the children who petted the lion and lamb once more before continuing on their way.

There is a richness and depth to the Christian story. As we mature in our faith, we better understand our call and the surprising nature of God’s grace and love . Yet there is also a simplicity to the basic values which we are called to live out for everyone to see. For the truth is that if we are good people, generous people, kind people, and if we cross divisions in order to make friends then we demonstrate the gospel message to the world.

May God continue to bless us in our journey of faith.

Rev. Peter