Isaiah 65:20-25 - They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

In Isaiah 65:20-25, the prophet Isaiah describes a future time of great blessing and peace that God will bring about. In this new era, people will live long and fruitful lives, enjoying the work of their hands without fear of it being taken away. Children will no longer be born into calamity, but will be considered blessed offspring of the Lord. There will be such intimacy with God that He will answer prayers even before they are spoken. The natural world will also be transformed, with predator and prey living in harmony, and all violence and destruction eliminated from God's holy mountain. This passage paints a beautiful picture of the restoration and redemption that God has in store for His people and all of creation. It is a promise of a world where children can thrive and grow without fear, where families can flourish, and where the peace and righteousness of God reigns supreme. As we look forward to this glorious future, we can have hope and confidence, knowing that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

The topic of children is one that is close to the heart of God. Throughout Scripture, we see that God has a special love and concern for the little ones. Jesus Himself welcomed children into His presence, saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14). God's heart for children is beautifully expressed in this passage from Isaiah 65. In the glorious future that God has planned, children will no longer be born into a world of pain, suffering, and calamity. Instead, they will be born into a world of blessing, where they are considered the offspring of the Lord Himself. This passage also speaks to the deep desire of every parent's heart - to see their children thrive, prosper, and enjoy long and fruitful lives. In the new heavens and new earth that God will create, parents will no longer labor in vain or bear children only to see them experience hardship and sorrow. The work of their hands will be blessed, and they will have the joy of seeing their children and descendants walking in the ways of the Lord. As parents, we can take comfort in knowing that God loves our children even more than we do. He has a good plan and purpose for their lives, and He is working all things together for their ultimate blessing and benefit. Even in a world that is filled with darkness and danger, we can trust our children into the loving hands of their Heavenly Father. We can pray for them, teach them the ways of the Lord, and model for them a life of faith and obedience. And we can look forward with hope to the day when God will make all things new, and our children will inherit a world of perfect peace, joy, and righteousness. May we never lose sight of the glorious future that God has in store, and may we faithfully point our children to the One who loves them with an everlasting love.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your great love and care for children. We know that each and every child is precious in Your sight, and that You have a good plan and purpose for their lives. We pray for the children in our lives and in our world today. We ask that You would protect them, provide for them, and guide them in Your ways. Help them to know Your love and to trust in Your goodness. Give wisdom to parents, teachers, and all those who have influence over children, that they may lead them in the paths of righteousness. We pray for a world where children can thrive and flourish, where they are safe, loved, and valued. We long for the day when Your kingdom will come in fullness, and all creation will be restored and redeemed. Until then, help us to be faithful in prayer, in teaching, and in modeling a life of faith. May the children in our lives come to know You as their Savior, Friend, and King. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.