Sunday, September 28, 2014

SOAP 09/28/2014; Zechariah 2:4-5

Today's reading: Zechariah 1, 2, 3; Luke 11

S) " and said to him, 'Run, speak to that young man, saying, "Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the multitude of men and cattle within it. For I," declares the Lord, "will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."'"

Zechariah 2:4-5 (NASB)

O) Zechariah saw a vision of an angel with a measuring line, taking measurements of Jerusalem. Another angel stopped him with this message for Zechariah. This is obviously a specific word for a specific people at a specific time - but this is revealing the nature of the LORD, again. His ways are not our ways, but the Israelites would sometimes chase ideals they gained from surrounding nations, about what it means for their nation (or city, in this case) to be considered prosperous. Immediately having a city wall (especially with the military background of Jerusalem) would seem like a no-brainer. However, God had another plan, a different time-line for things.

A) Lately, I've taken to ending all of my prayers - all - with the caveat for His will to be done. Ultimately, I am realizing more and more, that His will is just always going to be best. His will is sometimes unclear, or even unknowable. There are things that make sense to me. There are processes, possessions, and ideals that seem proven and worthwhile and wise. But I concede that I just don't know. I never want to be building a wall, trying to force it to happen, while God is trying to keep my city open so He can stuff other blessings into it. I will trust the LORD to give me what is good, and to provide what I need. I will ask and pray, I will build and proceed, but I will seek His will and direction above all else.

P) Father, Your ways are perfect, and Your timing never fails. You are sovereign, omniscient, and good. Let Your will be done, above anything I ever ask for, or pray. Open my eyes to see and ears to hear, so that I can perceive Your will in my life. Let me not be paralyzed by uncertainty, but to be lead in grace and peace by the Holy Spirit. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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