Today you should read: Zechariah 2
Horsemen? Horns and craftsmen? Measuring lines? Judgment, vindication, redemption? Overflowing cities surrounded by walls of fire? What kind of wild reading is this?
The Bible.
Anyone that thinks the Bible is boring has clearly not read it and seen the amazing allegories and illustrations, dreams and visions, historical narrative, and apocalyptic literature. It’s easy to see where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein’s inspirations came from in their fantastical writings like The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Hobbit.
In today’s reading we see that Zechariah’s visions are getting more and more specific. The first vision we encountered yesterday (chapter 1) had a wide scope: the earth. The horsemen report that “all is at rest” and yet God’s people are not at rest. The next vision we came upon was a little more focused as its scope was the nations. The four craftsmen will vindicate Judah and all nations that hindered/scattered Judah will endure severe punishment.
Today, the vision is now zoomed in to Jerusalem. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful prophecies in all of scripture. Why? Because Jerusalem is so full of people — Jews & Gentiles — and God is her protection:
“…and said to him, “Run, say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” Zechariah 2:4-5
Verse 11 is a fantastic parallel to Revelation 7 and the picture of the ethnic diversity of heaven:
And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. Zechariah 2:11
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
I don’t know what you may glean from reading today’s passage, but I am left with an overwhelming gratitude simply because God included us in His plan. He had His chosen people; He could have just redeemed Israel, and yet we — the Gentiles — were on His heart as well.
Thank the Lord today for including you in His glorious plan of redemption!
Posted by: Todd Thomas
JumpstartCPC.com 
Amen Todd! I am so thankful that God included me in His plan. As I spend time with the Lord in prayer this morning I am struck by the simple command in v. 13, Be still before the Lord, all mankind. In our busy world with all kinds of gadgets and electronic distractions we can forget the simple command to “be still before the Lord” and glory in His presence.
Awesome Word Todd. I have always thought of Revelations 7:9-10 as the Bible’s “End Vision”. May it come quickly!
Reading the commentary today I thought we had someone new writing. it didn’t seem like the writing styles of any of our pastors. it was a pleasant surprise to find it was Todd. 🙂
Totally agree about God’s word being fancinating and more intriguing than any novel!
Yep Renee, It is me! Tried to mix it up 🙂
Steve — I like looking at it that way. Good perspective.
Mike, I agree about the tech gadgets. I’ve been convicted about keeping it in check. I’ve tried to carve out a few days a month that I’ve designated as “no screens” days to help keep my focus on Christ.
” How much time do I spend infront of a “screen”? “How much time do I spend keeping up my Creator?” We all could pobably benefit from “no screen” days! Thanks Todd for the idea!
RE: MY 1st Post- Please forgive me for my carelessness! “Proofreading before Posting” probably wouldn’t have been a bad idea!