14 December 2009
Psalm 41, 52; Zech. 1:7-17; Rev. 3:7-13; Matt. 24:15-31

Zechariah’s prophecy was written during the time of Ezra-Nehemiah as the city and now the temple were being rebuilt. This vision shows that the nations who had destroyed the city and the temple are at peace while God’s people are harassed by enemies and in the midst of rebuilding. The angel of the Lord, on hearing this news, intercedes on behalf of Jerusalem. God’s response is that He is angry with the nations because they went too far in conquering. He was angry and used them as a tool for correction of His people, but they went beyond their boundaries in dealing with the nation. The vision ends with a promise of restoration of glory to the city.

Jesus gives an apocalyptic vision. His prophetic words are dire, reminiscent of Sodom and Gomorrah in the beginning of the vision, telling them to flee from the destruction. The temple and the city continue to matter to God and the vision of Revelation is of a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. We are warned of those last days that the suffering will be great and yet the mercy of the Lord will shorten that time. We are also warned that many will claim Messiah has come but we are to wait for His coming in the heavens. The promise is clear, that He will return and set all things to rights.

The church at Philadelphia is the one church against whom God does not state a grievance, only a promise. The word is spoken to a church with “little power” and who are opposed by what is referred to as the “synagogue of Satan.” Apparently the church was insignificant on the landscape but important to God and the opposition was Jewish and their particular sin was the denial that Jesus is Messiah. They are commended and encouraged in patient endurance with the promise that if they continue they will be kept from the judgment that is coming. The words “hold fast” are words Paul and others use to encourage their followers to keep the faith, not lose heart, and continue in the Way. Our promise is that one day, the nations will be judged and that we will see the kingdom established forever.

I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.