Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Isaiah 11:6-9 (NIV)
6 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. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
5. Natural enemies will be friendly in heaven. Can you imagine cuddling up/petting a snake or a skunk, or another animal you loathe?
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of pets. They are always happy to see us, they welcome our affection and provide love and comfort to our lives. It is not surprising that You have not left pets out of heaven to bring happiness. How wonderful it will be to expand pets to include every creature that will be a peace with people and animals. The food chain will be abolished so fear and death will be eliminated. No longer will we lose our beloved pets. In a very small way, their unconditional love reminds me that You love me no matter what, You are excited when I come to You, You listen intently to me when I have issues and need a shoulder to cry on and You give me Love and comfort. Thank You for Your grace and for the promise of the resurrection so that we can share all animals as pets with you in your wonderful kingdom forever. Amen