S) "23 Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."'"
Zechariah 8:23 (NASB)
O) God was telling about blessings to come for Zion and Jerusalem. It seems most likely, that these things are also fulfilled in Christ, and the Kingdom of God as we know it through the New Testament. But, for the sake of this particular verse, we can really set aside the discussion of the (partial) preterist view of this chapter. In this last verse, we see a description, a working definition, of holiness. God is, in His very nature, completely different than any other being. He is the only non-created being. He is the only sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent being. Those are basic traits which make Him holy. Because He is the only being with these qualities, His character is alluring and intriguing. When God says we are to be holy, as He is holy, it is because we are to honor His name, and because we are supposed to be drawing people to Him. This verse is an illustration of just that. Whether or not "a Jew" is symbolic of "God's person" (i.e., a Christian), or literally talking only about a person of Judah, the point is the same. People of every language will notice when a person is holy, as the Lord is holy, and it will allure and intrigue them.
A) This is a measuring line, of sorts. In many respects, everyone wants to be different, but we also want to be the same. Growing up, I struggled with that a lot. I wanted to be different, it just seemed to me that I was different for all the wrong reasons. I wanted people to notice me, but only in the right way. Well, as I grew up, I set aside some of those insecurities, yet some remain. Now, I enjoy being... memorable... and I am much more comfortable with who I am as a person (naturally). Still, when I stop to consider what I want people to remember, in my "memorable" character, it changes my perspective on being different. I still want people to notice, but if I am being humble, then I want people to notice Him. If my life is all about honoring and glorifying my Savior, then when people meet me, or get to know me better, it should be apparent that there is something different about me. When I notice them notice me, those are my opportunities to share the gospel. They don't have to grab me by the shirt, for me to share how I worship.
P) Father, You are worthy of all worship, adoration, and praise. Let me be humble, about how I am different. I confess that I seek attention for myself sometimes. Help me to stop that. I don't want that kind of attention. That's being noticed for the wrong reasons. Humble me if You must, that I may be noticed because of Your fingerprint on my life. Give me opportunities to share what You have done to me, and in me, and through me. Let me boldly proclaim Your goodness to anyone who wonders about my joy, peace, and love. For that matter, help me start by living out a joy, peace, and love that brings honor to Your name. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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