God Will Again Choose Jerusalem

Text: Zechariah 2:1-13

Reflection and Question: This passage has an apocalyptic ring to it, beginning with a vision of a man measuring the wall around Jerusalem. An angel stops the measurer, saying “Jerusalem will be a city without walls” and God “will be a wall of fire around it.” Then the passage shifts to a cry for the exiles to return to a Jerusalem, once again chosen by God. And not just the Hebrews will be God’s people, but “many nations shall join themselves to the Lord,” promises God, expanding the definition of God’s people beyond the old boundaries. What does this vision of removing boundaries and walls to make room for all God’s people mean to you?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Power of God, through Zechariah You promise to be the wall of fire around Jerusalem and the glory within the city. May we sing and rejoice when You come to dwell in our midst. Then may we fall silent as we worship You. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).