Jesus, I want to be a part of this new world where 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 (Isa 11:6-8).

Jesus, thank You for giving me the above Scripture. It introduces me into another change from what I am used to. Help me understand that God’s original plan for this earth was for every creature to be vegetarian. But, when spiritual disease (sin) was introduced into the planet, many things changed. Spiritual disease contaminated God’s perfect creation and plan. But, through You, Jesus, we are given the opportunity to be set free from sin so we can be a part of this new world.

Jesus, the man, who was given the freedom of choice, chose to follow Satan’s advice. I also was given the same choice and made the same decision. And, like Adam and Eve, the moment that happened, I became a part of the planet that is suffering from Satan’s influence. I did, the animals did, and the planet all are suffering from satanic evil. I started eating animals, animals started trying to eat me and one another, and everything got contaminated with diseases and deterioration. Thank You for giving me a chance to make a better decision and be a part of a better world and Kingdom.

Once spiritual disease (sin) has been removed from me because I am willing, I will be allowed to live in God’s Kingdom. There, I and all the animals will be vegetarian; plus, there will be no need for defense mechanisms and weapons. I will be able to trust the creatures and the creatures will be able to trust me. I won’t need to protect myself from them by shooting them. They won’t need to protect themselves from me by biting, poisoning, or mauling me; and, neither of us will eat the other as food.

Jesus, allow me to experience many of the benefits of this Kingdom structure now. Once I join it, bless the toil and labor that I do with my hands; prosper me when I put my trust in You.

Jesus, teach me about the beasts and poisonous creatures that would typically be out to kill me; show me that they are under Your control. Help me understand that You will protect me from their deadly influence for as long as I don’t take unnecessary risks with these creatures. I know You aren’t going to empower me to be a snake handler or lion trainer. But, You will watch over me during my “normal” course of life. Then through Your current protection, help me get glimpses into the Kingdom I will be a part of for eternity.

Jesus, it is exciting to look into the future and see that people in Your Kingdom will neither harm nor destroy on all Your holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Jesus, this “knowledge of the Lord” is what God is trying to get me to listen to now. If I listen to and start living it, my life will begin changing drastically from that moment on. Additionally, I will become a candidate for being a citizen of the Kingdom of God. One of the reasons I will be allowed to enter God’s Kingdom is because I will receive complete deliverance from all spiritual disease.

Jesus, just like it would be wrong for someone with a highly contagious disease to be allowed to go around infecting others, You aren’t going to allow spiritually diseased people to get into Your disease-free Kingdom; BUT, I can choose to be cured.