When Wolves Lie with Lambs

In tomorrow's lesson from the Hebrew Bible, the prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the one who will spring forth from Jesse's root. He will have a spirit of wisdom and understanding. He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and his breath will kill off the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt at the waist; faithfulness will gird his loins. And then, the most incredible images in Scripture of how the so-called "natural" enemies will learn to be in harmony: Wolves lying with lambs. Leopards lying with the kid. The calf and lion and fatling together. And a little child will lead them.
These words are a balm to the soul of us who feel as though the world is in constant strife and battle. In the world that I see, wolves surround and devour the lambs and leopards feast on the young kids. This is the world of a United States where the wealthiest of Americans have seen their incomes swell. And some cynically tell the angry and desperate that they, too, could be so rich if it weren't for (insert name of undesirable politician or group here). The mob then turns and seeks revenge. And the rich remain happily rich and the angry and desperate have no idea that they've been had.
The same is true of the Anglican Communion. Wolves and lambs not only will not lie with each other; they won't even come to the field to look at each other! If they won't come to the banquet that God has laid out before them, then how will they be led by a little child? I just don't know.
I'm reminded of our Psalm from last Sunday, 122, which reminds us that "Jerusalem is built as a city at unity with itself to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, the assembly of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord" (vv3-4). Jerusalem, that city of peace, should be our common destination. I'm not talking literally here. I'm thinking figuratively. We should all, as people of God, be seeking that city at unity with itself.
And yet, I remember the words from Luke 13:
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’(vv34-35)

As we come into this second week of Advent, consider the state of our Jerusalem and how are we living it. Consider for yourself if there is some way you can live more in unity with the others around you. Remember: we are in a time of preparing the way for the one who comes in the name of the Lord.