This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men 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.’ ” Zechariah 8:20-23
Jesus, I went to bed feeling conflicted and I awake with the same divided heart. I need the wisdom you alone can give and the peace you graciously promise. I need to know how to serve you faithfully and love my neighbors well when the two seem to be on a collision course.
Here’s what’s going on. I live with the great hope of Zechariah’s vision being fulfilled. The inhabitants of many cities, languages and nations are coming, and will continue to come, to receive the salvation God alone can give. People from all kinds of religious backgrounds and worldviews will continue to discover that you, Jesus, are the “one Jew” we need to “take firm hold of” for the knowledge of God.
For you are the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to know God as Father apart from you, Jesus. (John 14:6). Salvation can’t be found anywhere else, for God hasn’t given any other Savior but you (Acts 4:12). Your life of perfect obedience and your death on the cross have earned salvation for us. You have done for us what we could never do for ourselves. This is the best news ever. There is simply no better news than the God’s of God’s grace. You have secured the salvation of the “many peoples” and “the powerful nations” of Zechariah’s vision. So why am I feeling conflicted on the inside?
Jesus, not simply in Manhattan, but in my community, there are plans for Mosques to be built. I acknowledge my unrest… I own my prejudices… I name my fears… I grieve my stereotypes. Jesus, I want to love my new neighbors to your glory. I want to be a good citizen of heaven and a good citizen in my community. Show me and my friends what that looks like in this very situation, Jesus.
Zechariah’s vision describes something very attractive going on in the lives of your people… your church… your Bride. He envisions the presence of God having a magnetic appeal to people from all kinds of backgrounds. May this be true of my family and our church family. Give us your wisdom and give us your peace, but please, make the gospel beautiful and believable through us. So very Amen, we pray, in your glorious name.
