Protected by the Glory!
Scripture reading for September 27th: Zechariah 1-2
God’s prophets used different styles to get the message to God’s people. The prophet Zechariah prophesied during the time of the first return to Jerusalem after captivity in Babylon. Zechariah is one of the longest of the minor prophets and he employed a very encouraging style of message designed to motivate the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem.
Zechariah began his message with a word from the Lord to Israel. The Lord had been angry with their forefathers because they would not respond to His call for them to return to Him. God’s word had promised consequences and curses for disobedience and these promises overtook them! (Deuteronomy 28:15) People just can’t outrun the word of the Lord! (Zechariah 1:6)
Zechariah was given a night vision of a man riding a red horse, followed by riders on red, brown and white horses. As he asked the Lord for understanding, an angel answered him. These horses and riders were ones that the Lord had sent throughout the whole earth and they reported back that the world was at rest and peace. The angel then turned to the Lord and asked Him a question: “How long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem?” (Zechariah 1:12-13) (Revelation 6:1-7)
The Lord answered with encouraging words about Jerusalem. He was jealous for Jerusalem and would return with mercy. The temple would be rebuilt and the measuring line again stretched over the city in order to build the wall and keep it secure. Prosperity would again flow to God’s people and God, Himself, would comfort them. (Zechariah 1:14-17) (Revelation 11:1-2)
Zechariah had another vision of four horns. He was told they represented the nations that had lifted their power against Israel and scattered them. (Zechariah 1:18-21) They would be thrown down by spiritual forces of the Lord in the heavenly realm. A spiritual conflict would go on as the temple was rebuilt, but God’s people would succeed!
Jerusalem would be a city without walls! God, Himself, would be a “wall of fire” around the city and its Glory! (Zechariah 2:4-5) What a glorious vision of encouragement to those who had by faith come to rebuild the city! God further stated that His people were the “apple of His eye” and that He would deal with anyone who would oppose them! Let these promises encourage you today as you are the “apple of His eye”!
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