25 September 2021
Jerusalem shall be inhabited like villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. For I will be a wall of fire all round it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it.’
Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15, NRSV
Zechariah’s prophecies were made at about the same time as those of Haggai from whom we heard earlier this week. Zechariah’s prophecies are also connected with the events surrounding the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. In the vision described in today’s reading, Zechariah witnesses an angel of the Lord informing a young man who was measuring up for the building of city walls that these walls will not in fact be needed. For a city of that time to be without walls would have made it vulnerable to attack but the Lord assures the people that they have nothing to fear – the Lord will be a protective “wall of fire” around her and will dwell with the people. Many people will come – not to attack but to participate in the renewal of this great city and the absence of walls will mean that they can all be accommodated.
- Why was it important for Jerusalem not to have city walls?
- How easy is it to trust that God will provide us with the protection we need?
Reflect on how inclusive and welcoming your church community is and whether there is anything you can do to further improve this.
