The glory of the gospel – in Zechariah?

My wife and I have started reading through Zechariah together (I know – what were we thinking 8))

When we came across this passage which brought alive for us once again the glory of the biblical story.  And the glorious God who stands behind it:

God has two things to say to the nations:

First a word of judgement:

“Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daughter of Babylon!”  For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye-  I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me.” (2v7-9)

And then amazingly a word of grace and salvation.  Those who deserve to be punished/judged/cast out/wiped out etc. are invited and brought in to be His people.

“Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD.The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.” “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.” (2v10-12)

Does this passage not bring alive the paradox of the gospel?  The “turn the world upside down, on it’s head, you will never get it, imagine it or create it” nature of the Kingdom?

What is the only appropriate response to this kind of God:

“Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” (2v13)

~ by John on November 19, 2008.