There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them. [Zechariah 12:8]
When God speaks about protecting His people, and defeating their enemies, it refers to the humble and the innocent, the ‘righteous’.
This is not a blanket guarantee of protection for anyone who claims to belong, but for those who sincerely, genuinely honour and obey God.
They are known as ‘the feaeblest among them’ – Jesus describes them as the meek – these will inherit the earth!
God will shield them, identify with them, and go before them.
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. [John 17:11]
Jesus is praying for His followers, that they will be one with God, and therefore protected from all the powers of sin, death and hell.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [John 17:15]
This assurance is intended to encourage all serious and sincere Jesus-followers to persevere, even when it is hard, even when persecuted.
Stand firm, do the right thing, and God will hold You close to His heart.
God will shield you, identify with you, and go before you.
It sounds presumptuous to say, ‘God is on my side’.
It reminds me of one slogan used by the Nazis, ‘Gott mit uns’ (God with us).
This is why I am quick to add that this comfort and confidence can only be claimed by those who are living in a God-honouring way.
The meek, the humble, the peace-makers, the forgiving, the compassionate, etc.
In the world’s eyes, these are ‘the feeblest among them’, but in God’s eyes they are the cream of the crop!
If my heart is set on being kind, forgiving, generous, compassionate, humble, gracious, moral, etc., I can be confident that the Lord is with me, and will keep me secure!
He will protect me by the power of His Name, and I will be one with Him!
Today’s reading is an encouraging to persevere in doing good, no matter how bad or hard things get, because God will one day establish us for good!
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. [1 Peter 4:19]
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this assurance, that if I set my heart on loving and obeying You first, that You will protect me by the power of Your Name!