Zechariah 2  Another vision comes to Zechariah. This time he sees a man with a measuring tape in his hands.  He was sent to take the measurements of Jerusalem.  The people who had returned to Jerusalem, who were tasked with its rebuilding, were given words of encouragement about their beloved city. 

God said.. "Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls, because of the multitude of men and cattle within in."    There will be prosperity in the city again...far beyond  what their earthly eyes could see.  

God said, "For I.. the Lord will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."  The Lord will not desert His city.. He will come to her. 

God said, "After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye."   The Lord sees what has happened and what is happening to His city.. and He will deal with those nations.  The city of Jerusalem is precious to our God. 

God said, "Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me."  The day of victory will come when Jesus comes to rule.. "Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst.. " 

God said, " And many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people." This has become one of my prayers for our nation... may we be a nation that joins herself with the Lord and be His people!

God said, "I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."  

The Lord says He will possess Judah.. He will choose Jerusalem.. He WILL.. So.. 

"Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord; for He is aroused from His holy habitation." 

Father in heaven, one day.. we will see every prophecy fulfilled.. every promise completed...and we will truly sing for joy!  Help us to keep believing and trusting.. looking up.. lifting our eyes.. to that which is unseen now.. but will be our eternal dwelling place.  You are coming to reclaim Your property.. not just the city of Jerusalem, but all the earth which Your hands have made.  Thank You for reminding us again, that this world is not our home.. but that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and that He is coming again to take us to where He is that we might be with Him forever.  Our minds are limited but our faith is in You.  You have spoken and You will do what You have promised.  O may we be ready!

amen.