12.28.2015 Old Testament: Zec 8.4–5

To read the Bible in a year, read Zechariah 7–9 on December 28, In the year of our Lord 2015

By Don Ruhl

The Lord loved His city of Jerusalem, but so often the city sinned against Him, and He sent foreign oppressive powers against Jerusalem, so that the city did not experience peace. Old men and old women would not sit by the streets, and children certainly would not be allowed to play in the streets.

Yet, the Lord promised that when He blessed the city, the old and the young would be able to occupy the city,

“Thus says the Lord of hosts:
‘Old men and old women shall again sit
In the streets of Jerusalem,
Each one with his staff in his hand
Because of great age.
The streets of the city
Shall be full of boys and girls
Playing in its streets.’”
(Zechariah 8.4–5) 

We might be annoyed by children filling the streets, but what is the alternative? The alternative is the violence of war. Rejoice if you live in a place of peace.