Jan. 16 - Presence and Promise

From the First Lesson for this day, Zechariah 8:1-8, 20-23

Today's First Lesson takes a departure from the somewhat negative tone of Ezekiel by switching to Zechariah. I'm glad. In this cold, cloudy weather, I can use a break from the gloom. The Sunday readings in the Lectionary are usually out of sequence with the weekday readings.

I don't usually see that what God has in mind for me is for my good. I know this in my head, but I tend to doubt it in my heart. How can disagreements in my staff be for my good? How can financial struggles be God's blessing? When I get short-tempered or harbor stress or worry about my family, my vision gets clouded to the fact that what God has in mind my good.

The Lord says through Zechariah: "I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy... I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain."

In other words, God looks out fiercely for my best interests. Like a parent seeking the best for his children... Like a husband protecting his wife from harm... And God's words are backed up by His Presence.

I remember when Allison was in high school and we allowed her to go to a school dance after a basketball game. She had been fairly sassy prior to the game, so we told her that because of that she had to leave the dance at 11 p.m., not a minute later. At 11:01, she wasn't out yet, so I went into the dance to get her. I did nothing to embarass her, however, as soon as she knew I was present, she knew is was time to go.

Presence adds strength to promise.

God's Presence with the people gives them great strength:
* Old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
* The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.
* If it is marvellous in the eyes of God's people it will be marvellous in God's eyes
* God will save His people from their enemies
* They shall be God's people, and He will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

The wonder of God's promises to His people is that the blessings for them are for the whole world: for me!

See what His Word to Zechariah is:
"It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people... Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts... many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD... In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you."

All these things God has accomplished for me and for the world in Christ. He gives new life to the elderly - and to those aged by sin. He loves the joyful life of children and calls me to have their faith. He marvels in what I do that pleases Him and forgives me when I displease Him.

Each day I see God's Presence in my life. May He help me see His promises as well.