14Then the angel who was speaking to me said, "Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,
15and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’
16"Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty.
- P78
17"Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’"
- P78
18Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns.
19I asked the angel who was speaking to me, "What are these?" He answered me, "These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem."
- P78
God’s people, newly restored to their land, are living among the ruins of what was, at one time, the holy city of Jerusalem. The progress of rebuilding is painfully slow. It is, to say the least, a time when God appears distant, a time when faith is tested. Meanwhile, the nations around them are enjoying a time of peace and prosperity. But in spite of how things appear, God promises His blessings will once again be poured out upon His people. - P79
God’s words to Zechariah also speak to believers today whose lives lie in seemingly hopeless ruins. We may feel as if God is no longer present or at work, but He sends His word to remind us that He has not forgotten His chosen ones. - P79
Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to see my life and world through the eyes of faith. In a world of turmoil and strife, may I see beyond the circumstances of today and recognize the eternal nature of Your kingdom. In Your name, amen. - P80
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