The Profound Transformation of Peace by Jennifer Rhoad

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:9b

As an Enneagram 9, I feel best in spaces without conflict. My favorite Beatitude is "Blessed is the Peacemaker, for they will be called the children of God." My favorite scripture verse is 1 Kings 19:11-12 about the "still small voice" of God. My horoscope is Libra, with its scales of balance and justice. I consider myself a pacifist. So, a desire for harmony is a big part of who I am.

The prophet Isaiah gives us a glimpse of a future when peace and harmony will reign supreme. In this beautiful passage, wild animals will live in peace with one another, and even the smallest and most vulnerable creatures will be safe. This harmonious coexistence stands as a testament to the profound transformation that peace can bring.

Yet, with all the focus on peace, this devotional actually wraps up the week of "Unwrapping Power." The juxtaposition between the gentle imagery of animals living in peace and the concept of power invites us to reflect on the true nature of strength. In this context, power isn't defined by dominion, but in a world that is cleansed of the tendency to harm and endanger.

It isn't lost on me that this future harmony isn't passively found but requires a change in nature. The most aggressive parts of ourselves must be transformed into harmony. The prophet's vision challenges us to recognize that genuine power lies not in control or coercion but in the ability to coexist peacefully with others, regardless of differences. This future overcomes our tendency to live in fear but instead transforms dangers into comforts. And this transformation begins by unwrapping the power of the knowledge of the Lord.

JENNIFER RHOAD