We look for that peaceable kingdom, where the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, as we hear in the prophecy of Isaiah today.  We desire to live in harmony, in accord with Christ Jesus, as our second lesson in Romans calls to us.  When we combine the message of our readings today, we discover that in order to have this peace, there must first be righteousness.  The Lord’s peace is not simply an absence of conflict, or a temporary truce.  It is a new reconciliation of relationship, ushered in through the Lord in His righteousness, mercy, divine judgment, and grace.