QT 12/12/2025 Fri. Zechariah 2 "God’s Protection and Promised Restoration" “神的保护与应许的复兴”
QT 12/12/2025 Fri. Zechariah 2 "God’s Protection and Promised Restoration"
READ http://www.esv.org/zechariah2
(1) The Measuring of Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:1-5)
The vision begins with a man holding a measuring line, surveying the size of Jerusalem in order to show its future enlargement and the greatness of God's promises. In the midst of Israel’s rebuilding after exile, God reassures His people that Jerusalem will not only be rebuilt, but will expand and flourish.
Application: For us, this speaks of God’s faithful, long-term plans for His people. Even when we are in seasons of waiting, or when things seem small or insignificant, God is at work expanding His kingdom. Just as He measured the city, He knows the boundaries and scope of His promises to us. We may be in a time of rebuilding—perhaps spiritually, relationally, or in our communities—but God's work is never limited. He is doing something grand, even when it’s not immediately visible.
Reflection: In your life, where are you waiting for God’s promises to be realized? Do you trust that He is actively working even when you can’t see the whole picture?
(2) The Protection of God’s Presence (Zechariah 2:5)
The Lord declares that He will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, and the glory within it. This is a promise of divine protection. The people of Israel had suffered in the past from foreign invasions, but now God promises to be their defender.
Application: As believers in Christ, we are not immune to the trials and struggles of life, but we are promised God’s protection. His presence is like a "wall of fire" around us, safeguarding us from the attacks of the enemy and the hardships we face. God’s glory surrounds us, providing both comfort and security. Just as He protected His people then, He continues to be our shield today.
Reflection: Are you facing spiritual battles or challenges today? Remember, God’s presence is your protection, and His glory surrounds you.
(3) The Call to “Flee from the Land of the North” (Zechariah 2:6-7)
The Lord calls His people to flee from the land of the north (Babylon, in their context), which symbolizes the place of exile, oppression, and sin. God is calling His people to return to their land, to a place of peace and restoration. This call is an invitation to step out of the world’s influences and return to the safety and joy of God’s presence.
Application: We too are called to “flee” from the world’s temptations, distractions, and false securities. We are called to return to the safety of God’s kingdom, where true peace and restoration are found. In the New Testament, this idea is reflected in Jesus’ invitation to “come to Me” (Matthew 11:28), and in Paul’s exhortation to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14).
Reflection: Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from fully returning to God? What do you need to leave behind in order to experience His full restoration?
(4) The Coming Glory of the Lord (Zechariah 2:10-13)
The chapter concludes with a powerful promise of God’s glory and the gathering of the nations. Zechariah prophesies that God will dwell in the midst of His people, and many nations will come to Him. Jerusalem will no longer be a place of shame or destruction, but a city of honor and glory.
Application: This vision points us to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city described in Revelation 21. Just as God promises to dwell with His people, we look forward to the day when God will dwell with us eternally. As believers, we are already part of that coming kingdom, and we live in the light of this future hope.
Reflection: How does the vision of God’s future glory affect the way you live today? Does it give you hope in the midst of your present struggles?
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your promises of restoration and protection. Help us to trust in Your faithful presence in our lives. May we flee from the distractions and lies of this world and run to You, our safe refuge. Give us the hope of Your coming glory, and help us to live with a heart full of anticipation for the day when we will dwell with You forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
QT 12/12/2025 星期五. 撒迦利亚书2 “神的保护与应许的复兴”
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/zec/2/
(1) 测量耶路撒冷(撒迦利亚书 2:1-5)
异象始于持量绳之人,他测量耶路撒冷疆界以预示其未来扩张与神应许的宏伟。在以色列归回后重建之际,神向子民保证:耶路撒冷不仅将重建,更将扩展昌盛。
应用:这预示着神对子民信实而长远的计划。即便身处等待的季节,或眼见事物微不足道,神仍在拓展祂的国度。正如祂测量城邑,祂深知向我们应许的疆界与广度。我们或许正经历重建——无论是灵命、关系或社群层面——但神的作为永无边界。祂正在成就宏伟之事,纵使当下尚未显明。
反思:在你的生命中,哪些应许正等待实现?当你看不清全局时,是否仍信靠祂正在积极运作?
(2) 神同在的护佑(撒迦利亚书2:5)
耶和华宣告祂必成为环绕耶路撒冷的火墙,并成为城中的荣耀。这是神圣护佑的应许。以色列民曾受外族侵扰之苦,如今神应许成为他们的守护者。
应用:作为基督的信徒,我们虽难免经历生活的试炼与挣扎,但神应许赐下庇护。祂的同在如“火墙”环绕我们,护卫我们免受仇敌攻击与困境侵扰。神的荣耀环绕我们,带来安慰与安稳。正如祂昔日保护子民,今日仍作我们的盾牌。
反思:今日你是否正经历属灵争战或挑战?切记,神的同在就是你的保障,祂的荣耀环绕着你。
(3) “逃离北方之地”的呼召(撒迦利亚书2:6-7)
主呼召祂的子民逃离北方之地(当时指巴比伦),这象征着流亡、压迫与罪恶之地。神呼召祂的子民回归故土,进入平安与复兴之地。这呼召是邀请我们脱离世俗影响,重返神同在的庇护与喜乐。
应用:我们同样蒙召要“逃离”世俗的诱惑、纷扰与虚假安全感,回归神国度的庇护所,在那里寻得真正的平安与复兴。新约中,耶稣的“到我这里来”(马太福音11:28)与保罗“逃离偶像崇拜”(哥林多前书10:14)的劝诫,皆映照此真理。
反思:你生命中是否存在阻碍你全然归向神的因素?你需要放下什么才能经历祂完全的复兴?
(4) 主降临的荣耀(撒迦利亚书2:10-13)
本章以神荣耀降临与万国聚集的强力应许作结。撒迦利亚预言神将住在祂百姓中间,万国都必归向祂。耶路撒冷不再是羞辱与毁灭之地,而是尊荣荣耀之城。
应用:这异象指向新耶路撒冷——启示录21章所描述的天上圣城——的终极应验。正如神应许与子民同住,我们也盼望那日神将永远与我们同住。作为信徒,我们已属那将来的国度,并活在这未来盼望的光中。
反思:神未来荣耀的异象如何影响你今日的生活?它是否在你当前的挣扎中赐予你盼望?
祷告:主啊,我们感谢你应许的复兴与护佑。求你帮助我们信靠你信实同在的生命。愿我们逃离世俗的纷扰与谎言,奔向你——我们安全的避难所。赐给我们你荣耀再临的盼望,帮助我们怀着满心期待活着,等候与你永远同住的那日。奉耶稣的名祷告,阿们。