God has roused himself
Opening Prayer
Lord, I trust in You in every circumstance of my life because I know that Your heart is good and You are for me.
Read ZECHARIAH 2:1–13
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] Then I looked up, and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand. [2] I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is.” [3] While the angel who was speaking to me was leaving, another angel came to meet him [4] and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. [5] And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’ [6] “Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the LORD, “for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven,” declares the LORD. [7] “Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!” [8] For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you-for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye- [9] I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me. [10] “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. [11] “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. [12] The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. [13] Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does God show Zechariah?After his introduction (1:1–6), Zechariah uses eight visions to challenge God’s people. His third vision (2:1–5) is followed by Zechariah addressing the exiles in Babylon (6), then the Jews in Jerusalem (7–13). The exiles scattered in neighboring territories (the four winds) are urged to return (6). The returners already living in Jerusalem are urged to rejoice (10) because God himself will live with them. The city needs no defensive walls nor does it need clearly defined boundaries. God will be a wall of fire around it (5) and the city will teem with people from many nations (11). The return from Babylon will usher in a new era. This resonates with the multinational crowds in Jerusalem, celebrating Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2). Jerusalem was to have a very different significance from the former city. God needed no city to “house” him, nor a Temple made by humans where he was worshipped. This was hard for people to grasp. There are promises yet to be fulfilled at the return of Christ, but with our post-Pentecost perspective we can better understand God’s desire for all nations and the role we have in making this a reality. After his introduction (1:1–6), Zechariah uses eight visions to challenge God’s people. His third vision (2:1–5) is followed by Zechariah addressing the exiles in Babylon (6), then the Jews in Jerusalem (7–13). The exiles scattered in neighboring territories (the four winds) are urged to return (6). The returners already living in Jerusalem are urged to rejoice (10) because God himself will live with them. The city needs no defensive walls nor does it need clearly defined boundaries. God will be a wall of fire around it (5) and the city will teem with people from many nations (11). The return from Babylon will usher in a new era. This resonates with the multinational crowds in Jerusalem, celebrating Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2). Jerusalem was to have a very different significance from the former city. God needed no city to “house” him, nor a Temple made by humans where he was worshipped. This was hard for people to grasp. There are promises yet to be fulfilled at the return of Christ, but with our post-Pentecost perspective we can better understand God’s desire for all nations and the role we have in making this a reality.
Apply
Ask God to help you capture something of the wonder of this picture of God dwelling with us (10).
Closing prayer
Father, You are the protection around our lives and hearts that will withstand anything. Thank You.
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