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.'” Zech. 8:23
Gracious Father, every day, without exception, we need to be reminded of where history is heading. For we’re forgetful and fearful people, way too easily influenced by the spin of pundits, banter of news-speak and musings of our vain hearts.
But a great promise you made through a minor prophet is the major headline which should seize our attention all the time. How could we ever forget, why would we look for more? History is the unfolding story of your commitment to redeem your pan-national family and make all things new through the work of your Son, Jesus. That’s what “it’s” all about, all the time, everywhere, period.
This glorious outcome isn’t merely a great possibility or a grand probability, but a covenantal certainty. Nothing will keep you from magnifying the excellencies of your glory through the work of Jesus, as a generous redeemer and mighty restorer. You don’t “try” to do anything, as though there is a chance you could fail at something. You do all that pleases you, to which we cry, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”
Indeed, Lord Jesus, you are fulfilling everything in Zechariah’s vision—every last thing our Father has promised. You are the “one Jew” of God’s promise. You are the faithful remnant of Israel. You are the second Adam—the only Nazarene in whom there was no guile; the Lord who became the Lamb; our substitute in life and in death. We lay hold of the hem of your robe only because you grasp us in the gospel.
Jesus, in light of who you are and what you’ve already accomplished on our behalf, how can we not leap for joy? How can we not be moved to pray with great hope for our churches, communities, and cities?
We need renewal and we need revival, Jesus. We need you to send your Spirit to stir us up. We long for a contagious gospel renewal to break out in our local congregations.
We long for substantiated rumors of your transforming presence to run through our cities. We long to have the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the religious and the irreligious, the washed and the unwashed, the found and the lost, the unrighteous and the self-righteous come together to hear, believe, and live the gospel.
Why not us, Jesus, and why not now? We’re tired of playing church. We’re weary of the traditions of men supplanting the passions of our God. We’re bored with ourselves and we’re boring to our communities. We’re done with fighting with each other for little ecclesiastical cookies when a Wedding Feast is in front of us. Magnify your name in our midst and in this hour. So very Amen we pray, in your most majestic and merciful name.
