Let it start today!

"I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime..."

(Isaiah 65:19-20a)

The weeping continues. Cries of anguish and distress. Our nation is still reeling from the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas late Sunday night. Why someone would open fire on a group of people is unfathomable. 59 dead. Over 500+ injured. Senseless. We don't know how to respond in the face of human evil, malice, and sin.

But it's not a new story. Unfortunately, we humans (who have been given free will) often make horrible choices. And many suffer the consequences. Not because God "punishes" us. Simply because our choices impact others' lives (for good or ill!).

The writer of Isaiah knew this. Israel (like all other nations) had to face the consequences of their actions (for good or ill). And there were many "ill" ones. Denying justice. Promoting greed, deception, and self-preservation. Forgetting we're all children of God, and all are created in God's image (and so we're quick to damage & destroy others). The result: separation... from God, yes... but also from each other.

Yet, God loves us too much to leave us in our own sinful ways. God has sent prophets to call us back to right living (and right relationships). God sent Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to model what life in the Kingdom of God would look like (and in the end, we killed him, because we weren't ready for that vision!).

But Isaiah lifted up HOPE. God-sized hope! A vision of a time where PEACE will reign. Where everybody can live to a ripe old age (without being gunned down at a concert, or killed by a drunken driver, or fall prey to addiction, or be cast aside by society because of their racial/ethnic heritage, etc.). Where safety and security is the norm. Where people will work hard and enjoy their family, and share their blessings with others. Where the wolf and the lamb shall live together in harmony. "They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain" (Isaiah 65:25).

O LORD GOD... may it be so. Now.

May we all work towards peace. May we seek to understand, not condemn others because of our differences. Where LOVE WINS.

May it be so.