God, Our Wall of Protection
“Jerusalem will be a city without walls … And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,” declares the LORD, “and I will be its glory within.” (Zechariah 2:4-5)
Christians tend to be on the defensive. They live in an alien world that does not understand the Christian perspective and values. Often that world turns hostile, and Christians seek protection and security. Instead of marching joyously out to claim God’s world for him, believers set perimeters and build walls.
Israel had suffered greatly at the hands of her enemies. Jerusalem and the temple had been destroyed. The people had been exiled to Babylon. Now some had returned, and they were beginning to rebuild Jerusalem. In a vision, Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line going out to determine the size of the city and decide where the city walls would be. A heavenly messenger appeared and said, “Run, tell that young man, Jerusalem will be a city without walls'” (Zech. 2:4). The city of God was not to be for containment. It was to be for overflow. From it the knowledge of God was to flow out to all corners of the earth and to the end of time.
But if Jerusalem had no walls, where was its security? The Lord says, ‘And I myself will be a wall of fire around it … and I will be its glory within’ (Zech. 2:5). The presence of God himself was to be the city’s glory and its security. Jerusalem was to be earth’s umbilical cord through which grace could flow to the whole world. It needed openness, not blockage. God’s presence would guarantee its safety and his anointing its success.
Are you afraid of living without walls? Hide yourself in his presence and you will find that his presence is your protection.
—Dennis Kinslaw
This Day with the Master
Psalm 18:2-3 reads: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” Those are King David’s words, after he’d been delivered from the hand of his enemies. He’d experienced God’s deliverance (many times over in his lifetime) and penned this song to commemorate God’s faithfulness. What trouble surrounds you today? How many of your enemies are conspiring together against you? The very same God who stood strong on David’s behalf is poised to protect you. Start your praise song now! Your Deliverer is true to His name! —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics