Imagine a time when...

Read Zechariah 8.

The overarching purpose of Zechariah is for the people to complete the work in rebuilding the Temple.  The motivation is to prepare themselves spiritually and behaviorally for the plans God has for this nation.

Chapter eight contains the conclusion of a series of four messages that came directly from the LORD.  These cast vision of what the future will include for the Jews.  They served to encourage the people during Zechariah's time but looks forward to the coming reign of Messiah.

Message #3: The Restoration of Jerusalem (vv.1-17)
Just as sure as the disaster came, so will God bring "good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" (v.17).  He paints a beautiful picture where young and old can enjoy safety in the streets (vv.4-5).  The LORD made three promises:
1. His presence will be there. (v.3)
This is not referring to His Omnipresence but the geographical presence of His glory.  God removed Himself from the Holy of Holies in the Temple before it was destroyed.  This reassured the people of the return of His glory.  In the near term, He would again occupy the Holy Place.  In the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne of David.
2. His peace will be there. (v.12a)
After all the wars, the Jews can finally live in their homeland and be about the business of rebuilding.  However, in context, they are still under Persian control.  In the New Testament, they were under Roman domination.  This promise has an eye toward that future time when the Prince of Peace will be in charge.
3. His prosperity will be there. (v.12b)
When God disciplined His people, He withheld blessings upon the land.  But here is the promise of a time of wonderful production for the people.

Imagine a time in Jerusalem when there is no fear (v.15b).  When the word of God gives specific places and people, there is simply no way to spiritualize these prophecies and maintain Biblical integrity.  All will be fulfilled.

Message #4: The Rejoicing in Jerusalem (vv.18-23)
Verses 18-19 answer the question the delegation asked in 7:3 concerning their self-imposed time of fasting.  In that future day, all fasting and mourning will be turned into feasting and celebration.  The Pharisees asked Jesus about why His disciples did not practice ceremonial fasting.  "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'" (Matthew 9:14-15)

Imagine a time in Jerusalem when Jesus returns and all Israel worships Him.  There will be no more fasts.  The Gentiles from all the nations of the world will want to come to Jerusalem to seek God's favor.  Instead of being despised by so many, then people will be asking Jews, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (v.23).

While we wait, imagine that the world would seek out believers in Jesus today because they "heard that God is with you."