Today we look at Zechariah 2, but when I was reading it, I was drawn to Revelation 21. In both passages, we see a vision of this “new” Jerusalem. Many things are said about it, but the primary thing is this. God is in the midst of it. God is there. God dwells there. He is the glory within. This future hope, it is a now, but not yet thing. It is now, because now, you, me, all of us who are Christians, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Christ in us, the hope of glory! But we also know that something even better is coming! So it is now, but not yet. Live in future hope today. But also live in present hope!

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Good morning! It’s wonderful to be with you this Monday morning. I hope you had a great weekend. Here at St. Matthews, we’re in the midst of VBS (Vacation Bible School), and it’s always such a lively and joyous time. Kids and adults are bustling about, and the energy is infectious. Despite the busyness, I plan to continue our daily Rooted sessions throughout this week and the next, even with the upcoming Mississippi Annual Conference. There might be occasional interruptions, but I’ll do my best to stay consistent. I also anticipate taking some time off in July for rest and preparation for August, with a possible revival week in the mix.

Today, we dive into Zechariah 2:1-5, a passage filled with a powerful vision and rich symbolism.

In this vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line, indicating a plan to measure Jerusalem. This act of measuring signifies a preparation for restoration and rebuilding. However, another angel intervenes with a remarkable message: Jerusalem will expand so vastly that it will be like villages without walls, overflowing with people and animals. This initially seems alarming because, historically, city walls were crucial for protection. Yet, God provides a profound reassurance, declaring, “I will be a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory within it.”

This vision points to a future where God Himself will be the ultimate protector and source of glory for His people. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s sovereign protection and His presence dwelling among His people.

This imagery immediately connects us to the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 and 22.

Both Zechariah’s vision and the vision in Revelation depict a future where God’s presence is the ultimate source of protection and glory. In Zechariah, God promises to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and the glory within it. In Revelation, God dwells with His people, wiping away every tear and banishing death, mourning, crying, and pain.

These passages highlight an important theological concept: the presence of God with His people. This is not just a future promise but a present reality. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s glory already dwells within us. The kingdom of God is a “now but not yet” reality. We experience a foretaste of it now, even as we await its fullness in the future.

Every time we feel the Spirit’s movement, every moment of worship, every conviction of sin, every act of service—these are glimpses of God’s glory within us. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, embodying the presence of God in our lives today. This present hope sustains us as we look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

Zechariah’s vision is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is our true protection and glory. As we journey through our daily lives, let’s hold on to this truth and live in the light of His presence within us.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue with Zechariah 2:6 and explore more of this fascinating book. Have a blessed day and see you in the morning!