Finally! Some good news. Some happy news.
Israel is back in their own land and in the holy city. God says he is now going to bless them.
They will be old again.
“Each with cane in hand because of his age” (v. 4).
God is complimenting them? By saying they will be old? Absolutely. Age is a blessing.
I once saw a documentary on a missionary who worked in the jungles. The gospel really took hold. He returned home after that and came back a number of years later. He had video at the time and was looking around. He then addressed the people with amazing.
For the first time in their history there was gray hair. Men and women were becoming grandparents. It was so rare among the tribe. Why? Because they had spent their whole lives warring with other tribes and among themselves. When the gospel took root, the violence stopped. And now they were living longer lives.
The LORD continues with good news. He will bring peace to the land from their enemies. Their crops and their work would be blessed. They would no longer be an object of cursing to the nations around them but a people of blessing.
There is a pause. God reminds them not to do what he hates.
16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17 do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.
“love truth and peace” (v. 19).
He then says their days of memorial and remembrance would now be joyful months. Months of celebration.
Furthermore the nations would be drawn to them. They would be attracted to the LORD that was among them. The world will recognize that God is among the Jewish people:
22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.”
23 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”
Can you have a better compliment? Then others recognizing that “God is with you“?
Such incredible blessing for a nation so despised.
6 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the Lord Almighty.”
This is the amazing power of redemption. He restores in extraordinary ways.
And it makes me think. We have the greatest restoration in Christ. We are also admonished to speak truth to each other with love.
Can people say of us, “God is with you”?
