A Reading
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11: 6-9)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed. (Revelation 21:3-4)
A Thought
On Sunday we visited the grade II listed gardens at Overbeck’s, a National Trust property. It is set high on the side of the estuary at Salcombe, with a series of terraces surrounded by high banks.
A sign informed us that we may see a one-legged robin called Les, who is busy feeding his fledglings. We didn’t come across Les, but we did come across his fledglings.
In this secluded garden location, they have not been exposed to any predatory animals or behaviours. National Trust members are, after all, considerate and appreciative.
Les’s youngest fledglings perched low and remained attentive to our approach, trying to identify where we might be holding their next wormy meal, but otherwise not retreating. Les’s older fledglings came up very close to us as we enjoyed our coffee, anxious to share the cookies which we frugally had not purchased.
Away from this earth, there is another garden of absolute trust and security, one which reflects full reconciliation with God. There is a small path that leads into this garden, and many people may ignore it and walk by. But everyone is invited to follow this small path and to enter the garden.
You and I will recognise this small path, for it is none other than Jesus Christ himself.
A prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your endless love and blessing over our lives.
We pray that we will walk in your blessing and goodness today,
and that you will lead us along the path of righteousness.
Amen