Isaiah 11

Scripture

Isaiah 11:9

They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

Observation - What does it say?

Continuing from the previous chapter, Isaiah prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, from his first coming to his second. He speaks about a time when there will be complete peace between all things, men and God, men and each other, men and the creatures of the earth. And he gives reason for this unprecedented level of peace in verse 9, saying no harm or destruction will take place for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Understanding - What does it mean?

Knowledge of God is the key to peace.

We become what we behold. The more we understand and experience the God of love, the more we will be changed into his same image. In that day, the earth will be as full of the knowledge of God as the oceans are filled with water. Imagining the vastness of the ocean and the immeasurable amount of water necessary to fill it is mind boggling. And even crazier is imagining the knowledge of God being just as vast and immeasurable. What we know of God, although we may think at times is a lot, is so minuscule! There is so much more knowledge of God we have yet to get acquainted with!

But, by looking at the life of Jesus and the gospel, we catch an amazing glimpse of the God we serve. As Pastor Gary shared yesterday, it benefits us tremendously to meditate on all the ways God has blessed us. And, not only how he has blessed us, but what that reveals about his character. As we come to better understand this God of love, we will find ourselves more at peace internally as well as with each other.

Life Application

Ask God to fill us with the knowledge of himself.

Meditate on what God has done, and what that reveals about his character.

God, in a world filled with violence, discord, jealousy, and division, we recognize our desperation to catch a glimpse of who you are. We look forward to the day when the earth is filled with the knowledge of God and we will live in perfect peace. But as we wait for that day, please reveal more of yourself to us. And, may we your church meditate on your word, on the gospel, on the life of Jesus, and come to a greater knowledge of you. Fill our minds with thoughts of you, and our hearts with your peace. Amen.