Zechariah 5-9
Focus: Zechariah 8:20-23, The LORD who rules over all says, ‘It will someday come to pass that people–residents of many cities–will come. The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, “Let’s go up at once to ask the favor of the LORD, to seek the LORD who rules over all. Indeed, I’ll go with you.” Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD who rules over all and to ask his favor. The LORD who rules over all says, ‘In those days ten people from all languages and nations will grasp hold of–indeed, grab–the robe of one Jew and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”
I remember having various theological debates in college. Most of the time I would observe and listen, while others I would get dragged in to the discussion. It seems like the topic would often be about election, God’s sovereignty, and free will. These ideas are too big to get our minds around. But one thing I am quite sure of is that most of the time when Scripture is referring to election, God’s people Israel were involved. It is clear that God had a special love and a unique purpose for His people. After the fall of man in the garden when God implemented his plan to save humanity, through the promise and seed of Abraham, Israel became his chosen vessel for global reconciliation.
In this particular vision, Zechariah foresees a period of time when there would be international revival and repentance. This prophetic image was realized in part during the Pentecost when the Church was initially established. In Acts 2:5-11 we see a universal and overwhelming attraction of the nations to Israel’s God. However, the best is still yet to come. The fullness of this prophecy will be reached during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ as His presence and power is enunciated here on earth with a greater fullness than has been witnessed since His resurrection. At that time, people from all over the earth will be compelled and drawn by the fame of Jesus Christ.
What is just as amazing is how the Jesus glory will be manifested directly in His people because of His sovereign commitment to them. People will seek out the Jews, the people of God, because the Lord’s favor will be with them, and they will be the instruments to lead others to Jesus the Messiah who will be physically present in Jerusalem. What an awesome time that will be! At that time, the Lord’s people will be the chosen instruments for global reconciliation.
But what about now? Jesus’ disciples have already been strengthened with the glory of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them. Jesus has told us, “I will be with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). We have the commitment of the Lord in us now, and we reflect His glorious presence as our life becomes reconciled with Him. When Jesus reigns in our life, we are healed from life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Then others who do not know Jesus will take notice and will also say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Especially in this respect, the Lord’s disciples are his “plan A” to be His instruments of justice, mercy and righteous in a way that brings Him glory. There is no plan B. He has elected us for such a purpose.
How is the Lord’s commitment to you bringing Him fame to those around you who do not yet know Him?
Jeremiah Krieger 