The Apple of His Eye
Thesis: To teach the hearers that “the angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Ps 34:7).
Text: Zech 2:1-13
Introduction,
Today we will be looking at the book of Zechariah, whose name means “Whom Jehovah Remembers” this was a popular name among the Hebrews and is attested to by the fact that there are some 27 Zechariahs in the bible.
The book is dated at 520 BC, a mere 2 months after the book of Haggai, and one month after the temple construction was back on track, therefore as Haggai’s message stirred up the people to “begin” the work of the rebuilding of the temple, Zechariah’s message was to “complete” the work.
A couple of the interesting characteristics of the book are that it is the longest of the minor prophets (14 ch), and it is very Messianic (similar to Isaiah), it is apocalyptic in nature (similar to the book of Revelation, being full of figures), and it makes the most use of visions of the Minor Prophets.
In fact what we will be looking at today is one of those visions, specifically that which is found in the 2nd chapter, the vision of “a man with a measuring line,” which I believe to be Messianic in flavor.
Therefore we will look at this vision and how it brings forth the LORD’s people as “the apple of His eye” and concerning those apples we will look at . . .
1) The “Protection” (Zech 2:1-5)
2) The “Production” (Zech 2:6-9)
3) The “Proclamation” (Zech 2:10-13)
I. THE APPLE OF HIS EYE, THE “PROTECTION” (Zech 2:1-5)
A. (v 1-2)
Zec 2:1 And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand!
Zec 2:2 Then I said, "Where are you going?" And he said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length."
In this vision Zechariah sees a man holding a measuring line, measuring in visions are also seen in Ezek 40:3; Rev 11:1; 21:15-16, and these measurings are generally used for the announcement of punishment or blessings, this chapter shows forth that blessings are intended.
Remembering the context will help us interpret the events that are taking place in this vision, the people have begun to rebuild the temple, yet clearly, it was not going to be as physically large nor as ornate as was Solomon’s, thus they needed to have their focus shifted, to something so large, so glorious, it could only be seen with the eye of faith, therefore this vision.
We in like manner need to keep our focus on the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, hoping one day to partake thereof, the Lord stated (John 14:1-3) . . .
Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions (abiding places); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
It is also written (Col 3:1-4) . . .
Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Through belief in and adherence to the waters of divine instruction given in the gospel of Christ, each and every person on earth can have the hope of drinking freely unto eternal life (Col 3:5-10; Rev 22:17).
Col 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Col 3:6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Col 3:7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
Col 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Col 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price (freely).
c. We come to God as we accept and adhere to the precepts found in the gospel.
B. (v 3-4)
Zec 2:3 And behold, the angel who talked with me came forward, and another angel came forward to meet him
Zec 2:4 and said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it.
In this context there are a series of 8 visions taking place, it is similar to the book of Revelation for the fact that likened unto John there is an angel in the context guiding the inspired prophet through the visions.
In this vision one angel was already present since chapter 1, and here another angel comes on the scene, and is sent to the young man, who was attempting to measure Jerusalem. He was told to “run” signifying that the message he was bringing was to be delivered “hastily” because it was a message of good tidings.
Remember that at this time there were no walls around Jerusalem, the city, the temple and the walls were nothing but piles of rubble, having been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar some 70 years beforehand.
The temple foundation was laid, the altar set up, and some of the richer people had homes, upon which they had spent their times and resources, but for the most part Jerusalem was a war torn desolation, and would certainly dishearten the builders.
So the new angel is basically telling the first angel, tell that young man not to attempt to measure Jerusalem, for it will be so large that no walls will be able to contain it (literally speaking measuring was for the placement of the walls), it will be like the never ending suburbs of a large city, for there will be a multitude of individuals, and a multitude of blessings which come from God therein (signified by the livestock).
We in like manner are surrounded by the devastation of sin and the rubble of religious error almost everywhere that the eye can see; but we are to set our sights on, look for that place where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13), in a time when “many” will be our brethren, “large” will be our number (Rev 7:9-12), and “great” will be our blessings (1 Pet 1:4; Rev 21:1-5), in the new earth after the present one is destroyed (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-5) . . .
2Pe 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Rev 21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy (faithful) and true."
And in Heaven itself, where we go after the separation of body and spirit (1 Pet 1:4; Rev 7:9-12),
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Rev 7:9 After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands;
Rev 7:10 and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Rev 7:11 And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and about the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev 7:12 saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Therefore whether we live, or whether we die, before or after the resurrection, we will be with the saints and the Lord, blessed, eternally, because of God, because of Jesus, through the gospel.
Because it is written, that through the gospel, in Christ, we have been blessed with every blessing in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3). . .
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
C. (v 5)
Zec 2:5 And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst.'"
For in the day which this takes place (under the Messiah’s rule), God will be Jerusalem’s walls of protection, and He will be like a fire encircling it.
This shows us that this definitely is not speaking of literal Jerusalem, for only when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem had it gone any period of time without literal walls, I believe this speaks of the heavenly Jerusalem (look at Heb 12:22-24, 28-29).
Heb 12:22 but you have come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels,
Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect (by receiving God’s righteousness through the gospel),
Heb 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. (Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance, Jesus’ blood brings about forgiveness)
Heb 12:28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (a spiritual kingdom), let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe:
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
In the heavenly Jerusalem, the church, the protection of God is spiritual in nature, our focuses are changed, our priorities are shifted. No matter what happens to us in this life, “if” we remain faithful unto God (faithful, not perfect), we can’t lose, God’s promises will stand, and we in them (look at Rom 8:31, 35-39).
Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
Rom 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers (principalities), nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
Rom 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In this secured state, “protected” by the LORD, through the gospel, we have that peace that surpasses understanding, which will guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus unto eternal life (Phil 4:7), which is promised by Him Who cannot lie (Tit 1:2).
And God in all His glory will, and does dwell in the midst of those, who abide in the doctrine of Christ (John 14:23; 2 John 9b; 2 Cor 6:16b).
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
2Jn 1:9b Whoever abides in the teaching (doctrine) has both the Father and the Son.
2Co 6:16b for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
II. THE APPLE OF HIS EYE, THE “PRODUCTION” (Zech 2:6-9)
A. (v 6)
Zec 2:6 Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the LORD. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the LORD.
The words “Up! Up! Here are rendered “ho, ho” (ASV; KJV), “Ho there” (NASB), this verse does not refer to laughter, but rather is meant to be an attention getter to the reader, likened unto our saying “HEY! HEY!” The NKJV, ESV renders it “Up, up!” so it is likely a combined call to attention and action, “hey you! Get up! And get moving!”
The people of that day are told to “flee from the land of the north” this has reference to Babylon and Assyrian where God’s people brought to captivity, even though they are geographically more east than north, for the cause that they always invaded from the north in order to avoid crossing the desert which would weaken their troops, and it (Babylon) is spoken of repeatedly in this manner (being north) in the book of Jeremiah (Jer 1:14; 6:22; 10:22).
God had scattered, spread abroad His people in judgment through these nations, and is now calling them back.
But many of the Jews of that day did not want to go back to the promised land because they had become involved in prosperous business ventures in these pagan’s lands, thus they chose the earthly treasures over the heavenly ones, as seen in the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:17-20)
Luk 14:16 But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet (supper) and invited many.
Luk 14:17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
Luk 14:18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.'
Luk 14:19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.'
Luk 14:20 And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'
God’s will was and still is that all people be saved (1 Tim 2:4), yet this type of mindset surely wouldn’t get them where God wanted to lead them, which was “to Christ” (Gal 3:24), thus the attention getting “call.”
In the spiritual application concerning the heavenly Jerusalem, “Babylon” is a place of captivity, and is symbolic of our being captive of sin, just like Egypt. God is continually calling whosoever wills to come out of the sinful ways of the world (2 Cor 6:17-18), and into His glorious light (1 Pet 2:9) through the gospel (2 Thess 2:14).
2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."
1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen (elect) race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
2Th 2:14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Also note the phrase “four winds,” we find this also used in native American cultures and beliefs, and it is true that the earth contains four actual main winds that flow two in the northern hemisphere, west to east, and two in the southern hemisphere,
and these are major contributing factors for our weather, yet with the ongoing pole shift, these have been totally disrupted and are responsible for much of climate chaos that we are now seeing around the globe, which will likely get worse and worse till the poles actually shift,
then, at that time, many apocalyptic prophecies will be fulfilled which will not be good as far as the world is concerned, but for us who look for the coming of Jesus, and the new heavens and new earth, these are things that must first take place in order that we can be in that place where righteousness dwells.
B. (v 7)
Zec 2:7 Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.
They were to “escape” (ASV) to “deliver themselves” (KJV) “to Zion,” which is the promised land for them, but now, for us is a reference to Mt Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22), yet even after judgment, they chose the earthly wisdom, instead of what many probably thought was the foolishness of God (leaving prosperity to dwell in rubble for God’s sake).
Therefore they chose the easy way, the broad way, instead of that “straightened,” “difficult way” that leads to life, as many do today, either by total neglect of God, or through the softened gospel of men (Mt 7:13-14).
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard (difficult) that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
In Acts 2:40, when the church, the heavenly Jerusalem was first established, Peter told his audience to “save yourselves” through the gospel of Christ, we, in like manner, save ourselves through the obedience of faith, (Rom 1:5; 16:26), belief and adherence to the commands in the gospel, as did the young Timothy (1 Tim 4:16).
1Ti 4:16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Remember that the gospel not only includes “facts to believe” but also “commands to obey” “promises to receive” and “warnings to heed.” All these are essential elements of the gospel of Christ, which as a unit, is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes (Rom 1:16).
These are aspects that we are to “do,” “by faith” Heb 11), being “doers of the word and not hearers only” deceiving our own selves” (Ja 1:22).
C. (v 8)
Zec 2:8 For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory (He) sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:
The angel in this text was sent “after His glory” which means “to seek” “obtain” glory for God, when these conquering nations were brought down (for in their mindset of self-reliance, self-glory, and cruelty to God’s people they went beyond God’s will), thus they themselves would have to suffer the wrath of God, and they did.
This is because God’s people are a precious possession to Him, they are the “apple of His eye” He is ever watchful and caring for them, even when they err from His ways.
The word “apple” here is “baw-baw”in the Hebrew language, it refers to something “hollowed out” as a gate is cut out of a city wall, thus the gate is likened to the pupil of the eye which is also “hollowed out.” This word occurs only here in the OT. The word in Ps 17:8 translated “apple” (in “apple of the eye”) is “iy-shon,” which also refers to the pupil of the eye, but literally it means “little man,” like when one looks closely at one’s eye in a mirror and sees oneself in miniature in the reflection in the pupil; the point being made here is the pupil of the eye is a precious and delicate possession.
We, in like manner are “the apple of God’s eye” we are His “peculiar people” His “private peculium” (which means His “private purse”) “a people for His own possession” (Tit 2:14).
When we believed and obeyed the gospel we became His (1 Pet 2:9), we believe and are immersed into His possession (Mt 28:19), we are born again, of the water and the Spirit (John 3:5) into the family of God (Gal 6:10).
When Saul persecuted the church, he persecuted Christ (Acts 9:1, 4), when someone persecutes the faithful today, they persecute Christ, the “apple of God’s eye” today, for these two (Christ and His church) are inseparable, who in their right mind would want to go against the Creator and Sustainer of all, yet that is what is done when one goes against or speaks against a Christian (Christianos; “one owned by Christ”).
And it may seem like the wicked and those that teach soul damning error have the upper hand in this life, but a careful study of God’s word will show that this has always “seemed” to be the case, God’s true people will be lifted up, and all debts will be settled on the Judgment Day (Mt 25:21, 46), and the Lord will be glorified therein (2 Thess 1:10).
Mat 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.
2Th 1:7b at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
2Th 1:8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
2Th 1:9 who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction (ruin, punishment) from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
2Th 1:10 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.
D. (v 9)
Zec 2:9 "Behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder (a spoil) for those who served them. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me.
The “shaking of the hand” here refers to judgment upon the nations, it is likened to the shaking of one’s fist is a threat of wrath, and God would do it through those nations whom these had formerly plundered (conquered, made a spoil) as their servants.
The Babylonians were the servants of the Assyrians, yet they rose up and conquered them, the Medes were the servants of the Babylonians, they conquered them, the Greeks were the servants of the Medes, and they conquered them, the Romans were the servants of the Greeks, and they conquered them. Fulfilled prophecy is a proof of Jehovah’s deity over other so called “gods,” only the true and living God can foretell future events, and bring them to pass (Isa 44:6-8).
Isa 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Isa 44:7 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
Isa 44:8 Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."
We can look at the multitude of OT prophesies, especially the over 300 fulfilled by Christ Himself, and stand in awe of the Almighty’s power, there is none like Him, He cannot lie, His promises always come to pass, therefore rejoice all you who have believed and are presently obeying/living the gospel of Christ for (Mt 5:3-12) . . .
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (land).
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are you when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my (Christ’s) sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
And also God’s people were subject (they were the servants) to all these nations, and looked what was prophesied concerning them, Isaiah wrote that “all nations shall flow unto it, and many peoples shall go and say, Let us go up to the mountain of the LORD” (Isa 2:2-3).
And look at the nations of this world today, now “many peoples of all nations” are in a self imposed servant hood as those owned by Christ, “Christians,” in Daniel’s Messianic kingdom which will stand forever (Dan 2:44), these are God’s produce, His “production,” the apples of His eye, those in that place known as “in Christ,” where we can’t lose (Eph 6:10; Phili 4:13)
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
Phi 4:13 I can do all things in him that strengthens me.
III. THE APPLE OF HIS EYE, THE “PROCLAIMATION” (Zech 2:10-13)
A. (v 10)
Zec 2:10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD.
God through the prophet Haggai told the people “be strong, work, and I am with you” He had delivered them from captivity, He was with them as they did His will in the rebuilding of the temple (Hag 2:4).
The same is true today, and has always been true, God abides in those that love Him, and prove it by doing his will (John 14:23).
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home (abode) with him.
This is reason for great rejoicing, we are spiritually linked up through the gospel to Him Who was, Who is, and Who is to come, the Eternal One, therefore we have nothing to fear, but rather all the reasons in the world which is to come to rejoice (Phili 3:1; 4:4),
Therefore let us exhibit the attitude of rejoicing as we sing with thankfulness and make melody with our hearts unto God, Who is ever worthy (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), let us do this individually (Eph 5:19), and in the assembly (1 Cor 14:15), glory to God in the church for ever and ever Amen! (Eph 3:21).
B. (v 11)
Zec 2:11 And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
The phrase “in that day” is consistently used in the book of Zechariah to refer to the time of the rule of the Messiah, under Christ many nations will be “joined” to Jehovah, this would take place through the universal proclamation of the gospel, this gives us the idea of being “joined” together as “one.”
This is what Paul writes of concerning the “sons (children) of God” in Galatians chapter 3 (Gal 3:26-29).
Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for you all are one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.
“Oneness” is what Christ prayed for in John 17, and that was to be achieved through belief in the word (John 17:20-23a).
Joh 17:20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Joh 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Joh 17:22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
Joh 17:23a I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly (perfected into) one,
This will not take place through the doctrines of men, nor the wisdom of men, but through the seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11), the pure and simple gospel of Christ, without any additions or subtractions (1 Cor 4:6; Rev 22:18-19).
1Co 4:6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
God “now” by faith dwells in the midst of those who are doers His will (2 Cor 6:16; 2 John 9), and “shall” in the new heavens and new earth literally be among His people in that place where only righteousness dwells (look at Rev 21:3-7).
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God (that is opposed to dwelling “in” them in 2 Cor 6:16):
Rev 21:4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sits on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said, Write: for these words are faithful and true.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely (without cost).
Rev 21:7 He that overcomes (“continues to overcome” in this world through the gospel) shall inherit these things (in the future, in eternity); and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
C. (v 12)
Zec 2:12 And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem."
This is the only time in the bible in which the phrase “the holy land” in seen. It was “Judah” that was “chosen” (set apart) by God to have His Son (Heb 7:14), Who would be the forerunner of the redeemed (Heb 6:20), and that all sufficient sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, this specific area “Jerusalem” was “chosen” (set apart) by God for the establishment, beginning of the church, the kingdom on earth (Acts 2 on that first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the Lord).
But the sermon preached by Stephen in Acts chapter 7 clearly tells us that this is no longer the case, and the “holy land” is where ever God chooses to do His work, and that did not please the Jews to who heard Stephen speak it, they stoned him to death, and it does not please the zionists of our day who hear it.
God’s “holy land” is now the heavenly Jerusalem, the church of the firstborn ones (Heb 12:22-23), the bride of Christ (Rev 21:9-10), and it is not limited to the confines of physical space, but rather it exists in the hearts of men Jesus said (Luke 17:21). . .
Luk 17:21 They can't say, 'Here it is!' or 'There it is!' You see, the kingdom of God is within you." (GW)
God’s kingdom is not, and never was, meant to be “of” this world, but it was purposed to be “in” the world (John 18:36), in order that individuals might be saved through it.
Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."
For God chose that which is incorruptible for His people to set their sights on, as He is incorruptible (God is a Spirit; John 4:24), not the physical things of this earth, in order that our hopes would be on something everlasting, and therefore of the greatest worth (1 Cor 4:18-5:1).
2Co 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2Co 5:1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
D. (v 13)
Zec 2:13 Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling (habitation).
Therefore with the mighty and everlasting plans of God before us, let us stand in reverential awe of our Creator, in all holy living and godliness (2 Pet 3:11).
For He worked, and is still working even to this day (Jn 5:17), of which “who knows” concerning the secret things of God (Deut 29:29).
And He also works through His living and active (Heb 4:12), life imparting word (John 6:63), that all sufficient (2 Pet 1:3), sword (the instrument of choice) of the Spirit (Eph 6:17).
Which is able to cut into the toughest of hearts and turn the lowliest of sinners into the holiest of saints, one that is complete in the sight of God (2 Tim 3:16-17).
His plan was “proclaimed,” was absolutely perfect, and to be awed in the 1st century, and it should be held in the deepest reverence today, some 2,000 years later, what is it? . . .
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17) this how the Father plants the word, that seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11), within the good ground, that good, honest and open heart.
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, and that we have a living hope of following Him (1 Cor 15:1-4; 23; 1 Pet 1:3-4), belief/faith is the crossover point (Jn 5:24) wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15)
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
And one is not to stop there, but rather continue in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) . . .
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), Repentance is a change of mind that results in a changed life, a life
that is likened unto Christ’s, Whom we follow/imitate (Jn 14:6; 1 Cor 11:1)
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ to others (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), if you are ashamed of Christ and His words, He will be ashamed of you on That Day (Luke 9:26), this is how God propagates His kingdom (Mt 28:19-20)
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), it is the point where one is to be dead to the practice of sin and alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11).
And finally one is to . . .
Live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), and “knowing” what being “holy” is, it means “separated”, “set-apart” “from” the ways of the world and “to” the Way of God (2 Cor 6:14-7:1), being renewed day by day, walking not as the world walks, but as God directs, in every aspect of one’s life.
Putting off that old person, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth,
Engraving, implanting God’s word and will deeper and deeper into our hearts with each passing day.
As the good ground, determined to follow God’s instructions, that difficult Way (Mt 7:14), whatever the cost may be (Rev 2:10), knowing it is worth all that and more (Rom 8:18).