"EXCLUDED from the New Heaven and Earth"

 

Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27 "And I saw a new Heaven and new Earth: for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from GOD out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and GOD HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their GOD. And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And HE that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And HE said unto me, Write: for these WORDs are true and faithful. And HE said unto me, It is done. I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

And I saw no temple therein: for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and the LAMB are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of GOD did lighten it, and the LAMB is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the Earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the LAMB's Book of Life."

     Often great blessing and benefit come when something previously bothersome is now missing. It would be nice to learn, for example, that the neighbor's dog that barked constantly in one day was no longer around. If one is suffering from an inflamed appendix, it would be good to have the organ removed. What a blessing it is when a corrupt politician is voted out of office. His presence will not be missed !

     In the eternal state - the New Heaven and New Earth - what does GOD's WORD have to say about what will be missing:

The Devil will not be present (Revelation 20:10).

The first Heaven and first Earth will be gone, and there will be no more seas or oceans (v.1).

Verse four declares that all tears will be wiped away; death will be no more so thus no need for hospitals, hospice, funerals, cemeteries, etc.

There will not be any sorrow or crying or pain; the former things that caused so much suffering, hardships, and heartache will all have passed away.

As we read on, we find that ungodly people will no longer be present to defile GOD's Holy Heaven because they will be in a separate place (v.8 cf. Revelation 22:15 pictured above).

The eternal state will have no temple because the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and the LAMB will be the temple of that new city (v.22).

The sun and the moon will not be necessary since the glory of GOD will be its endless source of light (v.23).

No unsaved persons will be allowed to enter therein (v.27).

There will be no more curse (Revelation 22:3).

There will be no more night there (Revelation 22:5).

However, the greatest blessing will not be the things that are missing; rather, it will be HE WHO is present with us - our GOD (v.3). "In THY presence is fulness of joy; at THY right hand there are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11). GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"CHRIST IS COMING !"

 

1st.Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for HIS SON from Heaven, WHOM HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

     The timing of the Rapture of the church (the body and bride of CHRIST), and whether or not it will actually happen, is the subject of a great deal of discussion among Christians. The majority seems to think either that it will never occur or that it will take place during or at the end of the tribulation period. Indeed, for many Bible teachers, the doctrine of the "blessed hope" has become something over which to ridicule other believers. Even some of our fellow brethren are asking, "Where is the promise of HIS coming?" (2nd.Peter 3:4 pictured above), as if it were not promised in Scripture but merely a wishful desire because we do not want to endure the prophesied "wrath to come." Yet, a faithful minority still maintain that it will occur prior to the Tribulation period (1st.Thessalonians 5:1-10; 2nd.Thessalonians 2:1-9).

     Reading the prophetic portions of Scripture consistently and literally leads the Christian to believe in the Pretribulational return of CHRIST for HIS church, the body and bride of CHRIST, which, in turn, provides incentive for godly living and service in this present life (1st.John 2:28 pictured above; 1st.John 3:2-3). The Rapture is not something believers ought to fear or dread, nor is it an event that should cause anxiety. The Apostle Paul referred to it as the "Blessed" expectation in Titus 2:13 and used it to encourage and comfort believers who had lost loved ones in death with the promise that body and soul would be reunited when it occurs (1st.Thessalonians 4:18). Even JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF communicated the expectation of HIS return in order to reassure and calm the disciples' hearts during a time of fear and turmoil resulting from the impending events that were about to happen to them and HIM (John 14:1-3 Main picture at top of post). JESUS IS COMING, and the Rapture could take place at any moment. ARE YOU READY ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"No One Knows"

 

Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST;"

     Several people have tried to predict the exact date and time of the imminent (any moment) return of JESUS CHRIST for HIS bride, the church. They have ridiculous calculations and formulas that usually, even on the surface, are nonsensical. In itself, claiming to know the timing of an imminent event is self-contradictory - it would not be "imminent" if one knew when it was to take place. What happens when these predictions fail ? The world mocks Christianity as a whole, regardless of how much we may attempt to distance ourselves from the foolishness of these deceitful prophets.

     Nothing can be imminent and at the same time able to be predicted as far as its timing is concerned. No "signs" need to occur before the removal of the church from the Earth. The truth of the imminent rapture of believers is our "blessed hope" (v.13). The fact that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is returning to the clouds to catch away HIS bride, the church, is a biblical promise to which we hold in both good times and bad. We do not have some special insight as to when prophetic events regarding Israel will be resumed; however, we do know that nothing further needs to happen in order for the rapture to take place. The sole event that believers in the church age (which age we are currently in) are to be eagerly anticipating is the catching away of CHRIST's church up to our home in Heaven - where we all belong !

     Many scoff at the doctrine of the rapture, denigrating it as "the secret rapture," since only believers will experience the first phase of JESUS' return, or "the great escape," as if those who teach the rapture are merely escapists from the real world (Please check out how Enoch and Elijah left this Earth as examples of a rapture). Nevertheless, let us be eagerly watching for the SAVIOR and not for some "sign" of HIS "imminent" return !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Millennial Kingdom Established"

 

Zechariah 14:9-21 "And the LORD shall be KING over all the Earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and HIS name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Timmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepress. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the KING, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the Earth unto Jerusalem to worship the KING, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts."

     Today's text describes when JESUS CHRIST finally establishes HIS millennial kingdom on Earth. What is detailed in Zechariah 14 cannot possibly be explained away as historical or metaphorical or as fanciful imagery pertaining to the spread of Christianity in the world. No, the reality of CHRIST ruling from HIS throne in Jerusalem is prophetic and literal, and it will surely come to pass in the future. "In that day" the LORD JESUS "shall be KING over all the Earth" (v.9 cf. Isaiah 2:2 pictured at the top of post; Daniel 2:34-35; Daniel 7:14 pictured above). Jerusalem will be elevated and enlarged far beyond its present dimensions (v.10). In that day, peace and safety will hold sway in a land where strife and injustice have reigned for centuries (v.11). What makes the difference ? The divine KING governs "with a rod of iron," Satan is bound, and righteousness rules (Revelation 2:27 pictured below; 12:5; 20:1-4).

     GOD will judge those countries that perpetually trouble Israel, and only a portion of them -- "every one that is left of all the nations" (v.16, those who, likewise, have received the KING with a right heart) -- will enter into the glorious reign of JESUS CHRIST (vv.12-16). All unbelievers will be taken away in judgment (Matthew 24:30-51). Notice also that Jerusalem will be the focal point of all worship throughout the Earth. No ecumenical movement will exist in the millennial kingdom. The Earth will only have "one LORD, and HIS name one" (v.9), and no other "faith groups" will remain. The people of every nation will go up yearly to the feast of tabernacles, and if they do not, they will be chastened accordingly (vv.16-19). "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD" is the theme of this righteous, perfect, and glorious future administration (vv. 20-21). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"And the LORD My GOD Shall Come"

 

Zechariah 14:1-8 "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the housed rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

And HIS feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my GOD shall come, and all the saints with THEE. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be."

     "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our GOD, we have waited for HIM, and HE will save us. . ." (Isaiah 25:9). That prophetic prayer will be answered when JESUS, "the LION of the tribe of Juda" (Revelation 5:5), returns from Heaven to bring to pass every promise HE has made to Israel. GOD's unconditional covenants regarding a people, a land, and a kingdom in which CHRIST sits upon the throne will be fulfilled. "HIS feet shall stand . . . upon the Mount of Olives" (vv.1-4). Just as HE actually, literally sat upon the colt, even so "in that day" Jerusalem shall rejoice and shout because the KING is coming (Zechariah 9:9 pictured above). The LORD JESUS CHRIST will deliver the waiting, watching remnant from the armies marshaled by the Antichrist against Jerusalem, and then HIS dominion, HIS earthly kingdom, will extend "to the ends of the Earth" (Zechariah 9:10).

     The long persecution of Israel will finally come to an end when this ultimate battle destroys every satanically inspired foe (vv.2-3 cf. Zechariah 12:2-3; Zephaniah 3:8 pictured above; Daniel 11:41-45). Notice also the physical changes in the topography of the land when "the LORD my GOD shall come, and all the saints with THEE [the Raptured church is among this number !]" (v.5): The Mount of Olives will divide in half, mountains will move out of their places, a valley will marvelously form, the duration of daylight will supernaturally extend, and the waters flowing from Jerusalem will greatly alter (vv. 4-8). So many other prophetic texts likewise reference this same day -- all of these precious promises of our LORD will, indeed, come to pass ! These literal events are going to take place, and the millennial kingdom of CHRIST will be established, just as the Scriptures declare. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Remnant Shall Be Brought Through"

 

Zechariah 13:7-9 " Awake, O sword, against MY SHEPHERD, and against the MAN that is MY FELLOW, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the SHEPHERD, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on MY name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is MY people: and they shall say, The LORD is my GOD."

     This final section of Zechariah 13 speaks of the blood-washed remnant, those of the twelve tribes of Israel who will survive the entire seven-year Tribulation and will, therefore, be alive and prepared to receive their MESSIAH when HE returns to destroy every foe and inaugurate HIS millennial reign upon the Earth. The SHEPHERD-KING, the GOOD SHEPHERD WHO was smitten by the sword of GOD's judgment on behalf of the sheep who had gone astray (John 10:11), is now the ONE WHO promises to "turn [HIS] hand upon the little ones" (v.7). How ? HE exercises HIS chastening hand that will prepare HIS chosen people for the promised blessing of the kingdom to come. "It shall come to pass, that in all the land" two thirds of Israel will fall by the sword, by martyrdom, and by the plagues of the Great Tribulation (v.8). The stiff-necked Israelite will be destroyed (Amos 9:10; Isaiah 1:9 both pictured above) while the Jew who trusts in JESUS CHRIST will become a Tribulation saint. If he is slain for his faith during this time, then he will await resurrection at the coming of CHRIST the KING (Revelation 6:9-11; 12:11,17).

     Only one third of Israel will "endure unto the end [of the Great Tribulation and] . . . shall be saved," or delivered, when the DELIVERER returns to Mount Zion (read the entire context of Matthew 24:13 pictured above, from which this quote was taken). This verse does not mean, as so many errantly teach today, that believers in the church age need to "endure unto the end" by their good works lest they lose their salvation in CHRIST. No, this text is speaking of the one-third remnant of the Jews who will be brought through the refining fire (v.9), at which time "all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:25-27). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A Great Mourning in Jerusalem"

 

Zechariah 12:9-14 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the SPIRIT of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME WHOM they have pierced, and they shall mourn for HIM, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for HIM, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimel apart, and their wives apart; all the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."

     One aspect of "that day" (v.9) --the day of the LORD --is the supernatural, SPIRIT-anointed way in which GOD will enable the redeemed residue of Israel, having survived the cataclysmic sufferings and the Antichrist's wrath during the Tribulation (Revelation 12), to gain the victory over every enemy at CHRIST's return. Notice that even the most feeble will go forth to battle with more might than King David did at his best, "and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the angel of the LORD before them" (v.8). Now that is an imposing force ! It is no wonder that the blood of the enemy runs bridle deep throughout the valley of Megiddo. The HOLY SPIRIT is also poured out upon all the surviving saints in that day (v.10). This is the fulfilment of the prophecies of Joel 2:28-32, Ezekiel 39:29, and Isaiah 32:15, all of which definitely have a "day of the LORD" context that includes the military exploits over the host of the Antichrist as well as the spiritual and physical blessings associated with CHRIST subsequent reign.

     The terrible time of judgment is paving the way for the ensuing blessing of GOD. One of the greatest benefits that arises from "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) is the heartfelt repentance in the remnant that comes through the horrors of the Great Tribulation alive. When their MESSIAH returns in glory, they will "all . . . be saved" (Romans 11:25-27 pictured above) and prepared to receive their KING. Imagine the anguish felt by those who "looked upon [HIM] WHOM they have pierced" (vv.9-14) ! The HOLY SPIRIT will bring forth a true fruit of repentance far transcending what John the Baptist witnessed during his ministry (John 1:19-37), for Israel will now have a new heart (Ezekiel 36:25-27 pictured above). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"In That Day . . ."

 

Zechariah 12:1-8 "The burden of the WORD of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the Earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the Earth be gathered together against it. In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment and his rider with madness: and I will open MINE eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their GOD. In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf: and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at the day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the angel of the LORD before them."

     The phrases "in that day" and "the day of the LORD" are in the remaining three chapters of Zechariah's prophecy over a dozen times. When mentioned in the context of GOD's dealings with HIS covenant people Israel, this "day" refers to the events surrounding the Second Advent of CHRIST, including the seven-year Tribulation when the LORD judges and purges sin from Israel (Zechariah 13:1-2), the physical return of JESUS to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-5), the subsequent defeat of the enemy host gathered against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:8), GOD's deliverance of a believing Jewish remnant (Zechariah 13:9 pictured above), and the millennial reign of JESUS CHRIST the KING upon this earth (Zechariah 14:9 pictured below). These prophecies recorded in chapters 12-14 detail GOD's final judgment and Israel's preparation and entrance into the promised -- though long-delayed -- earthly kingdom.

     This is an awesome panorama of future events, and it is the culmination of GOD's plan for the ages. HE has the power to bring all these things to pass. The scorner and the skeptic look at Bible prophecy and say, "Its' all figurative, symbolic, allegorical, and [somehow] spiritually fulfilled in the church." Read verse one: GOD, the CREATOR of the universe, can and will do as HE pleases ! Through the centuries, Satan has made a concerted effort to destroy Israel and Jerusalem and to wipe out the Israelites from the Earth. But in the days ahead, when CHRIST returns to keep the covenant promises HE made with the patriarchs and with King David, then HIS chosen people will be the fear of all opposing nations rather than the terrorized (vv.2-7). When JESUS CHRIST leads them to battle "in that day" the weakest will be as strong as the mighty King David (v.8) ! DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"JOY in Serving the KING !"

 

Zechariah 8:18-23 "And the WORD of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that GOD is with you."

     The LORD's fourth message to the remnant completes the first of two divisions within the book of Zechariah. The three main points of these four messages from GOD that followed the remnant's question put to Zechariah in verse three of chapter seven are as follows: 

(1) Rebuke for their disobedience.

(2) Encouragement for their present work.

(3) Expectation of the glorious future millennial kingdom.

The remnant needed to understand that GOD's work through them would not progress, nor would HIS purposes be accomplished until HE first chastened and refined them. The same is true for us today ! The LORD only uses pure vessels whose hearts are right and who separate from all wickedness (including false teaching, see 2nd.Timothy 2:15-21).

     The LORD reminded the remnant that if they did HIS work and served HIM with a renewed heart, they would experience a genuine joy in their fasts and feasts (their worship) that would replace the emptiness and dissatisfaction that came when they neglected GOD's will and lived only for themselves (v.19 cf. Haggai 1:1-6). This theme of joy in serving the LORD was applicable both to the remnant in Zechariah's time as well as to those who will one day serve in the kingdom of CHRIST when HE returns to reign over the Earth in "power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-31 pictured above). At that time, all who come through the Great Tribulation will have renewed hearts and will clamor for the blessed opportunity to go to Jerusalem to worship JESUS CHRIST the KING (vv.20-23 cf.14:16-17; Isaiah 66:23 pictured above). What a joyous time that will be ! But remember, we can serve our LORD in like spirit today, for joy is integrally linked to obedient heartfelt service. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"I AM Returned unto Zion"

 

Zechariah 8:1-8 "Again the WORD of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the LORD; I AM returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Thus saith the LORD of hosts: If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in MINE eyes ? saith the LORD of hosts. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save MY people from the east country, and from the west country; and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be MY people, and I will be their GOD, in truth and in righteousness."

     The LORD's third message in response to the remnant's initial inquiry (Zechariah 7:3 pictured above) addressed their existing duty to continue rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem as well as the future purpose that HE has determined for Zion. The first section is a prophecy concerning the millennial kingdom. GOD has an irrevocable love for Zion, and HE will execute HIS "great fury" (v.2) upon all who have defiled the land. Following HIS judgment, a purged "city of truth" (v.3) will literally experience the unfathomable glory of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY "dwell[ing] in the midst" (vv.1-3,8). Unless we recognize this dominant prophetic theme of the Old Testament Scriptures detailing the LORD's return to Earth to fulfill every pledge that HE made to the patriarchs of old, then we will have a deficient understanding concerning not only what lies ahead but also regarding GOD HIMSELF and HIS faithfulness to fulfill all HIS promises.

     This present sin-cursed world is a dark and perilous place. The schemes and dreams of men to solve the world's overwhelming problems will never come to pass, for sin governs their hearts. BUT a time will come, dear Christian, when the curse will be lifted, the KING shall rule with "a rod of iron" (Revelation 12:5 pictured above) and righteousness and peace shall cover the Earth. This glorious future will occur when JESUS CHRIST returns to reign. In that day, the elderly will be carefree, and children will safely play in the streets. Indeed, it will be "marvelous" (vv.4-6) ! The LORD will miraculously regather to Zion the remnant of believing Jews from all the Earth (vv.7-8). Yes, the future kingdom will be wonderful, for the LORD of Glory will be seated on David's throne. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation