Jerusalem’s Future

In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:8-9)

Zechariah gave a prophetic view of a day when the Lord will rise to defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. To those who try not to take sides, please note that God clearly took a side. God surrounds Israel to defend them and protect them.

This prophecy says that even the feeble, who would not be expected to win in a battle, would become like David. What does that mean? David was anointed by the Holy Spirit and the power of God on him made him fearless to fight Goliath. The anointing of the Holy Spirit empowers and emboldens us in the face of terror and problems to transform even our weaknesses into strengths.

The house of David is a way the Bible refers to the nation of Israel. Zechariah says that the nation will shine with glory and the power of God because they will accept the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon them.

In fact, the prophecy states God says He will destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Those who attack Jerusalem will be utterly destroyed. The attacks against Jerusalem end at the battle at Megiddo, where God and His people will stand victorious against every nation that ever dared to stand against Israel.

Practical Application

God stands with Israel and as followers of God, so should we. Do what you can to stand with Israel and speak up to support their freedom, their safety and security and be an advocate.

Isaiah 54:17; Haggai 2:22

The Danger of Uncontrolled Desires

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. (2 Peter 2:7-12)

Lust is not just a sexual issue; people can also lust after food. Others lust after recognition and power. In 2 Peter 2:7-12, Peter highlighted a particular sin called aselgeia in the Greek. It is the sin that led to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a prime example of a society consumed by absolute depravity. They lived sinful lifestyles that were totally absent from any form of self-discipline. They were excessive, immoral, and entirely sexually depraved. If that type of lifestyle is not checked, the disease of depravity multiplies and infects entire regions, states, and countries. In Genesis 6, we read that depravity was so bad that the entire earth was filled with it and the thoughts of every man’s heart was only evil except, for Noah.

As a reminder of the consequences for indulging in a lifestyle of sin, Peter reminded us that the angels who sinned were cast down to hell. Today, we often see the devastating effects of unchecked carnal desires. The pursuit of pleasure without restraint leads to moral decay, broken families, and total societal upheaval. Yet, amid all of this, Peter brought hope. He said the Lord knows how to deliver us out of temptations.

Practical Application

When you are tempted, pray in the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His leading. Doing this will keep your focus on Him and out of the lust and temptation of the moment.

James 4:1; Romans 8:13

The Transforming Power of God

That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. (1 Peter 4:2-4)

Lasciviousness isn’t a term that you usually hear in our modern vernacular, but it is a powerful word. It describes a life out of control, marked by excessive behavior and no self-control. The literal translation of it is filthy. In the context that Peter used it, he was specifically referring to sexual depravity, but lasciviousness can extend to many other areas as well.

Peter gave us a vivid picture of the life that some had before Christ. They were often drunk, fighting, and out of control. Their lifestyle was wild and unbridled. Like the first century believers to whom Peter wrote, many Christians today have pasts that are full of things that dishonored God. Sinners sin. It’s what they do, after all!

The good news is that the past is the past. For those in Christ, God has forgiven us and empowered us through His grace to live a life that has been transformed from self-indulgence to self-control, a life that traded lust for love, and a life that traded indulgence for obedience.

Walking in God’s will is embracing His transformative power by walking away from the lusts of our past. We are no longer enslaved to the desires of our past but are set free to live in His righteousness.

Practical Application

As we live a lifestyle of gratitude to God, we give space for the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us. As we renew our minds to His Word, we leave behind the sinful mindsets and struggles of our past.

Isaiah 28:7; Acts 17:30