God Is On the Move by Teresa Miller
“Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord … Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling … God is on the move!
Zechariah 2:10-13 (NIV/The Message)
In days, all my kids will be home. I am in full-throttle mode as I clean, decorate, collect ingredients for favorite foods, and search for those final gifts. Any plan for “being still” has gone out the window! And when that text pings, “On my way!” from each loved one driving/flying in, my heart leaps.
In this passage, Israel has finally come home to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. But it is not perfect; they long for the Messiah to come. Zechariah answers with this likely double prophecy of Jesus’ birth and his final return.
Can we all feel this in our bones? When we head toward Christmas, the “heart-wired” longing to be closer to Jesus revs up! It disguises itself in the hours spent draping holly, icing sugar cookies, and wrapping beautiful gifts. But it isn’t perfect. Our family has dealt with sickness, the decline of a loved one, hurt feelings, loneliness, and grief, and I am sure yours has as well. That’s part of coming home too.
A friend recently lamented to me, saying, “Surely Jesus has to come back soon—but I’m not ready!”
I wonder if the people of Israel felt that way, too. Our God is all holy, all just, AND all loving. I trust his perfect timing for Jesus’ return. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we do not need to be perfect FOR him. We are made perfect THROUGH him.
God tucked that longing into your heart, too. So be still with me. Breathe a prayer of thanks … cast all your cares on him,* and share your greatest hopes for our world, your family, and for you. Then shout and be glad! God is on the move! He is able** to do the healing work of redemption.
* 1 Peter 5:7
**Isaiah 43:19b
TERESA MILLER
Playlist:
Help Is On the Way – Toby Mac/Psalm 98:1-2 (The Message)
Softly and Tenderly (Alternate version) – Cynthia Clawson