Hope in a Brighter Day – August 08, 1999
The prophet Isaiah gives us much hope with his description of a future when “the wolf
. . . 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.”1 For centuries, prophets and poets have spoken of that great day when men will convert their weapons of war into tools of peace. As we listen, we are filled with wonder at the thoughts of a world without sorrow and disease—without pain and suffering.
But the absolute negatives aren’t all that will be done away. There will be other changes that can also fill us with hope. For example, the subtle counterfeits of goodness that often entice and beguile us will be more obvious and easier to avoid. These counterfeits are all around us now. Instead of seeking after learning, some settle for entertainment. Instead of seeking for truth, some settle for theory. Instead of cultivating faith in God, some settle only for self-confidence.
Many of these substitutes are not bad in and of themselves. In the proper place and time, some can be good. But when these things replace the truly good things, they become harmful. That’s what makes them subtle evils.
As we look forward to a day when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,”2 we can also look forward to a time when we are not as easily dissuaded from sources of true happiness. We can prepare for and place our hope in a future when enmity will be turned to fellowship and our hearts will recognize all that is true and good.
Program #3651
1. Isaiah 11:6.
2. Isaiah 2:4.