Rev Elise Theunissen – December 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ and Children

Throughout the book of Zechariah there is an emphasis on God’s power over the world. He has allowed the nations to visit judgement on his people, Judah, but there are strict limits to what they may do. Judah has been and remains God’s elect and his judgement is for the purpose of restoring them to a pure relationship with himself. Within this plan there is an important role for certain individuals. The historical characters Zerubbabel and Joshua are mentioned as restoring the temple and its worship, representing the “anointed ones” who stand before the Lord of all the earth. (4:14)

Chapters 1-8 form a clear unity with recurring themes. God’s anger with the fathers and the judgement that followed and his anger transferred to the nations, and compassion for Judah and Jerusalem.

God’s intention therefore is to dwell in the midst of his people in Jerusalem again, and to be their God as expressed in the text of the month we will explore.

Today as the first of the month we come with gratitude and hope in this Advent time. Yes as brothers and sisters in Christ we have experienced many obstacles and blessings, but let us choose to look for God in every moment.

In this third vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line in his hand, about to measure the length and breadth of Jerusalem. Then another angel came to inform him that that there is no need to do this, for the rebuilt city will be without walls. In the ancient world, cities had walls for defence and a lack of walls was a sign of disgrace. Brothers, sisters and the youth in God’s future kingdom, the lack of a wall will not be a sign of weakness but a sign of God’s blessing on the city. 

Zechariah admonishes those of God’s people who are still in Babylon to return quickly to rebuild Jerusalem, for Babylon will be destroyed. Dear family of God, He cares for you and all the people of the world. He describes them as the apple of his eye, which means they are like the pupil in one’s eye that instinctively protects. God will raise his hand to punish all nations that have plundered and oppressed God’s people. The Messiah, as well as their own servants, will be the agents of their destruction.

God himself will be a wall of fire around it and promise the people of Jerusalem that He will live among them. In that way many nations will come to know him. This will fulfil the promise that God made to Abraham (Gen. 12:3) and calls for great rejoicing. They will become God’s inheritance, and
participate in the glories of the new earth.

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion.”  Joy is not only a privilege, but joy is a duty. It is as truly a sin against heaven to be spiritually gloomy and sad, as to be socially false and dishonest. “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion.”  “Break forth into joy, sing together” (Isaiah 52:9). Gratitude is joy; and should fill every soul? Admiration is joy, Love is joy; and ought we not to love all creatures with the love of benevolence, and the Creator with the love of adoration? To be in the presence of God we will be able to experience the fullness of joy.

 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day.” Is this a good reason for joy?  “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord,” as the branches are joined to the roots of the tree, as the members of the body are joined to the head? This vision closes with a reference to the universal judgement that will take place at the Messiah second coming.

The prophecy of God’s plan through Israel was difficult for the people to believe. Today as we have now entered the First week of the new Church Year with the theme of HOPE on first Advent, brothers, sisters and the youth let us see beyond the present and immediate but focus on the
glorious future. Let us build God’s Kingdom without walls with the presence of the glory of God dwelling in our midst. 

That’s the same struggle we have today when we take a microscopic view of life. We can easily be discouraged by the present and immediate, and not see God’s will.  

Dear family of God, Jesus Christ will one day rule over His Kingdom and we as His people can expect His protective presence.

Conclusion: Hence in the light of this glorious future, those remaining in exile ought to return and rebuild this city of God without walls.

Prayer: Lord, may we stay alert as we anticipate the joyful celebration of your son’s arrival into the world. May each person accept your mercy and grace in serving others to grow closer to your heart of compassion!  AMEN.

Rev. Elise Theunissen