Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 23rd (Job 31, 32; Zechariah 8; Revelation 5, 6)

Zechariah 8 gives us a beautiful picture of a Jerusalem - whose name means "frame, or city of peace". The chapter portrays a Jerusalem at rest, and blessed by Messiah's tranquil rule. What a contrast to the city we now see. Zion will be the head, as the metropolis, of the Lord Jesus Christ's kingdom embracing all nations in the rejuvenated and new earth, as fulfilling the terms of the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 12verses1-3; Romans 4verses13; Jeremiah 3verses15-17). The chastisement of the LORD has passed and Zion's time to be favoured is in its ascendancy (Psalm 102verses13). No longer is the city the scene of war and hostility; it is rather a haven for children and elderly citizens. And the city which had so often been the place of treachery and falsity toward its God, will be become a haven for justice, mercy and truth. The economic hardships of the present citizens would be reversed on their returning to their LORD. This prosperity would be magnified in Messiah's kingdom. The way to blessings is revealed in verse 16 - i.e. to speak truth to one another (Paul says the same in Ephesians 4verses25). To behave uprightly towards each other; hating everything that is false in word and deed, as verse 17 declares. Read verses 20-23 aloud slowly, and pause and ponder. These verses speak of the elevated status of the Jew in Messiah's kingdom. What a contrast to the current despised position of Jews.