When we read the Old Testament, we need to read it with an understanding of the completed work of Jesus. All the ancient Scriptures point to Jesus. These books have been given to us to appreciate the depths of Jesus’ sacrifice. Without that understanding, our faith will be limited in its scope.

In one of Zechariah’s prophecies, he reveals insight into God’s heart. He said the Lord is consumed with passion for His people. His passion for His people is what motivated His actions, even the actions that are hard for us to comprehend.

In Zechariah’s prophecy, the Lord promised peace in the cities where violence and anger ruled the streets. The Lord will transform the environment of cities and how people will relate to each other.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Once again, old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with their canes and will sit together in the city squares. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play” (Zechariah 8:4-5). “This may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (vs. 6).

The Lord is planting a new harvest in each nation where the Church is present, “For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you” (vs. 12). God is the one who planted seeds of peace and prosperity while we were still living lives contrary to His will.

While those seeds have been planted in our lives, often without our awareness, when they eventually bloom and blossom, if we turn our hearts to God. On the day of harvest, “I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong and get on with rebuilding the Temple!” (vs. 12-13).

For this harvest to come to life, the Lord gave His people these instructions, “Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth” (vs. 16-17).

Because of what the Lord will do in His people, “Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing” (vs. 22). This movement of people toward the Lord is the beginning of a spiritual reformation that can change a nation, something that can only come when the seeds of God’s love begin to manifest in His people.

When this begins to happen and the cultures of the world are living in turmoil and disarray, what the Lord spoke through Zechariah holds true for today: “Don’t be afraid.” Amidst the turmoil of the nations, the Lord will do something so new and strange that what was once considered impossible will now become possible because of the Lord’s loving passion for all people.