“I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst. He who touches you touches the apple of his eye. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord. 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 2:5,8,10-11
What a comforting, exhilarating , hopeful message to the exiles returning from Babylon! Their uncontainable city would not be measurable, they would need no physical barrier to protect them; God would shield them as the treasured apple of His eye and be a wall of fire around them as their shield. And He would abide with them forever as the flaming, glorious power in their midst! What a promise!
What does God’s glory in our midst mean for us? He is our Bread of Life Who satisfies and Living Water when I thirst. He is present always in wisdom, light, truth, and resurrection power. He loves us as the Good Shepherd, leading and caring for us by name; He is our joy and abundant life. He is the Vine to Whom we are inextricably attached and through Whom we bear fruit that brings Him glory. He shines for us and in us, manifesting Himself through all we are and do in generous love, compassion, joyful countenance, long-suffering, gentleness, peace. What a Savior! When my heart prepares Him room, He invades, takes over, and is my very fullness of life and glory! (John 4:14;6:35;7:37-38;8:12;10:10-11,14;11:25;15:5,8)
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing! He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)
All praise to You, Immanuel. You have come to us to abide with us, God with us forever. May Your glory and fire in my midst draw others to Your irresistible light.
As the rain and snow 