On the Lighter Side

Admittedly, the focus of The Watchman's Post may be perceived as negative — "doom and gloom" — as the saying goes. But it is equally true that the Hebrew prophets themselves may be cast as doom and gloomers too. Ultimately, it is Jehovah himself who long ago foretold that he would throw the world into deep gloom and foreboding during the conclusion of the present system. 

That being said, interwoven through the very same prophecies that call for the destruction of the nations are the most hope-inspiring promises found in the Bible. Consider as an example the prophecy of Isaiah.

The Hebrew prophecy of Isaiah is heavy with Jehovah's denunciation of Israel, as well as denunciations of numerous surrounding nations, including Babylon. Yet, within the scroll of Isaiah is also found numerous messianic prophecies pertaining to both Jesus' first and second appearance. And as regards "the second time he appears," as Paul worded it in his letter to the Hebrews, Christ will make the entire earth subject to himself, in fulfillment of God's original mandate to Adam and his sons. Within the pages of Isaiah Jehovah promised to make provision for a spiritual paradise, reminiscent of the Edenic paradise Adam and Eve initially enjoyed, if only for a brief moment. 

God's original mandate to Adam was to fill the earth and have in subjection every creature on earth. As Paul further stated to the Hebrews: 'now though, we do not see all things in subjection to him, but we do behold Jesus...' By his faithfulness Jesus won the right to become mankind's earthly father - hence, the title the "Last Adam." When Christ comes in his kingdom he will exercise the rights inherited from Adam by overseeing the righteous subjugation of the world and all the things in it. (Link to Hebrews 2 NIV)

Certainly the seeds of paradise already exist, even as is apparent in the animal kingdom. "Apparent" in the sense that animals are obviously endowed with characteristics and qualities that were originally intended by the Creator to delight, amuse and serve mankind. They are just waiting to be told what to do by people who know what they are doing. In order for that to come about all that is needed is for God to sweep away this unsatisfactory system that dominates the planet presently and for Jesus, the one designated in Isaiah as the "Wonderful Counselor," to take up the powers entrusted to him by God Almighty and teach mankind how to live the way Jehovah intended. All that is required of us to enjoy the future blessing of the kingdom is faith. 

Here is a National Geographic video I think you may enjoy. 

And is the promise found in Isaiah that the lion will be a playmate for the little boy really so far fetched as some may suppose? Here is a video of "Christian" the lion.