Advent Devotion • December 14
Today's Scripture
Zechariah 2:10–11
Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on 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. (NRSV)
Reflection
The book of Zechariah is set after the children of Israel return to Palestine from the Babylonian captivity. Zechariah and Haggai implore the nation to rebuild the temple so as to maintain God’s presence among them. As such this prophecy is quite positive, heralding the beginning of an age of strength for the nation.
The message in this passage is powerful for me at this time in the course of our nation’s narrative. I need to hear that God “will come and dwell in your midst.” I am assured that the Lord has sent an emissary to us specifically for this time and place.
We often pray for God’s kingdom on earth, perhaps even more fervently at this time, and Zechariah’s message speaks to the fulfillment of this prayer.
However, we are also told that there is work for us to do. I interpret the imagery of rebuilding the temple to the literal building of the beloved kingdom as we live in these days. I ask myself, “If not me, then whom? If not now, then when?”
It is up to every one of us to do our part, to take heart in the words of verse 13: “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Prayer
Dear Lord, I call on your power to help me be an instrument of your love and peace in and to your creation. Amen.
Written by Blake Anderson, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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