FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

on the fire.War rages, not only internally, within the hearts of man, but externally, between classes, races, nations, and many others. War is big business. I’m no pacifist. I believe in a strong defense, but shudder at the U.S’s most recent military bud- get of $716 billion. Less capable countries pour an inordinate amount of money into weapons as their infrastructure crum- bles and population goes hungry. Thank God that’s coming to an end when Jesus comes and establishes the world peace we long for. As Scripture prom- ises, “They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; Nations will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war” (Micah 4:3). As David writes, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Such is rare now, but won’t be in the millennium. That applies to all facets of society, not just the military. And to think, as touched on in the previous chapter, this peace includes nature as well. I read recently about a snake and rodent that became best friends at aTokyo zoo. Gohan, the 3.5- inch dwarf hamster, was served to a four-foot rat snake named Aochan for dinner. Instead of becoming a meal for the snake, however, Gohan became its friend. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Gohan sometimes even climbs onto Aochan to take a nap on his back. Aochan seems to enjoy Gohan’s company very much,” said zookeeper KazuyaYamamoto. 564 Although this makes a great human-interest story, it’s an aberration.Typically, the snake would devour the rodent. It’s the law of the old earth jungle. However, a time is coming when the rules will change. In the world to come, “The leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together” (Isaiah 11:6).

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