Zechariah 2:5 & 8-9 2/13/2024 *8*

5 “And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.” 

8-9 “…for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye - I will surely raise my hand against them…“

There is a mentality on some football teams that says, “If you hit one of us, you’re gonna have to fight us all”. That statement reflects the team’s attitude of unity and protection.  But that statement is even more ominous when the Lord of Armies makes it. 

These verses refer to Jerusalem. A city where God’s past and present protection is apparent.  But as born-again believers, we are the New Testament Jerusalem… We are His children, adopted and grafted into the vine and God has placed a protective wall of fire around us. The Great I Am, who never changes, says, “if you mess with my children, you’re going to answer to me”.  

It reminds me of a picture I have on my computer of a huge Polar bear sitting behind her cub in their den. The young cub is clearly seen but momma is in the shadows.  An enemy might assume the cub is an easy target until they catch a glimpse of its protector.  In the same way, I am not intimidating in my own strength, but I am formidable when I stand in the Shadow of my Father.

The New Testament definition of God’s chosen people has little to do with where you live, and everything to do with Who lives within you.  As a child of God my Father is the only audience that matters, and my life must be reflective of my commitment to His Glory. When He lives in my heart, He is the glory within me.  

With the Lord as my protector,  there is no fear or anxiety today. Even in the valley of the shadow of death… I will fear no evil. Anyone who threatens me – has threatened the apple of His eye and will learn that it is hazardous to disturb a cub who sits in the shadow of the Lion of Judah.

You will find it a stronghold in the day of trial to plead your adoption. You have no rights as a subject, you have forfeited them by your treason; but nothing can forfeit a child's right to a father's protection. - Spurgeon