SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 14
OBSERVATION:
This is a vision of the end of history, when the Lord returns and finally and fully restores His kingdom on earth. It is written in language that the Jews of the day would understand (the nations, the temple and its furnishings, the feast of Tabernacles, Jerusalem). I would not read this prophecies literally, but figuratively: there will be a final battle, the Lord and His people will finally defeat the enemies of God and of good, and the survivors of this final judgment (from all nations) will enter into His eternal kingdom. Everything and everyone will be devoted to (set apart, ‘holy’) to the Lord, and there will be no sin and misery present there (symbolized by the Canaanite). Compare this with the final visions in the book of Revelation.
APPLICATION:
Although I do not read these words literally, I do read them seriously – they actually point to a future event, a future reality, that these symbols authentically communicate. I will not join with those who bicker about interpreting the details. I will simply say that I believe that the Lord will ultimately restore His perfect Kingdom! May Your Kingdom come!!!!
How do I respond to this? Is it simply a matter of waiting? No, if I want the kingdom life, then I need to start living the kingdom life. If I want all of life to be ‘holy to the Lord’, then I need to start living like that, now. All the qualities that make the kingdom wonderful (paradise = love, kindness, generosity, humility, truth, honesty, love for God and others, etc.) are the qualities that I must seek first, NOW. Only those who seek this life will ultimately find it when Jesus returns and restores His kingdom.
PRAYER:
Lord, may Your Kingdom come, and may I join You in making it a reality.
The Lord is coming, but in the meantime, there is a lot of corruption and sin upon the earth and yet God’s grace is there. And even when we think it can’t get any worse, it does. Yet after the night, comes the morning. The Lord will come and be the King over the whole earth. On the day of His return all this will be holy/wholey to the Lord. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Every day needs to be a Sabbath day because we are all workers in His Kingdom. May all my actions of this day Lord be according to Your will so that your name be glorified today and always. May all Your children do Your will in joy, in unselfish devoyion like little children until Your Kingdom comes in full. Teach us to pray as always, Your Kingdom come – no matter how dark the night, Your promises are everlasting, giving Light, eternal Light to all who serve You. Happinees is . . . serving my Lord each day.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!