SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 2
OBSERVATION:
The Lord chose Israel to represent Him to the world. When they failed to live up to their calling, the Lord punished them with exile. But He did not reject them forever, and He will once again use them to rebuild His Kingdom on earth. The Lord calls the exiles to return to Jerusalem (capitol of Israel, in ruins) where He build a city too big for walls, filled with His glory. He will be there Himself, and will extend His mercy to all nations. The gist of this passage is, I am on the side of my chosen people, and I will personally stand up for them, to protect and establish them.
APPLICATION:
Like Israel, Jesus-followers are called for a special purpose. Together, as the ‘church’, our job is to work with Jesus to rebuild God’s Kingdom. We are missionaries, ambassadors, called to be a light to the nations. The Lord will punish us if we refuse, but He will not reject us. Whenever it seems that the ‘church’ is failing in its mission, we can be sure that the Lord will prune and repair us, then renew our calling. This is true for me too!
Am I joining with the Lord in this project/mission, or am I like the old nation of Israel, forgetting about the Lord and living for my own purpose, my own desires. This passage calls me to join Him, or get out of the way because nothing will stand in the way of the kingdom of God.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to think of myself as a kingdom builder, living like You, living for You. Help me to be still (i.e. relax) and trust that You will accomplish Your purpose.
God is the Master Builder, the Master Teacher of His kingdom. His kingdom will have no bounds for there will be room for all of His people, His workers, His builders, His teachers. There is room for all who call on the name of the Lord. It will be ruled and protected by Him. What great love the Father has for His children, for all who believe.
Today I am a worker, a kingdom builder, a servant in His vineyard. God’s Kingdom is here and now, but only in part, yet I am part of that Kingdom. Help me Lord to expand Your Kingdom in the area of education. Each square millimetre must be brought to subjection to Your rule, everywhere, for Your Kingdom has no boundaries. Use me as Your instrument of peace Lord. May the prayer of Your Kingdom come, as You taught us to pray be evident to all who believe. Help me to see You this day Lord.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.