On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

— Zechariah 12:3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

— Zechariah 14:2

“On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.

— Zechariah 13:1

I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations as they divided up My land.

— Joel 3:2

so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.

— Hebrews 9:28

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

At the end of the age, many nations will proudly gather to obliterate Jerusalem. However, their opposition against God and His chosen people will bring a conclusion they do not expect. Ransacking Jerusalem and abusing its people, these proud armies will glibly assume themselves powerful. Christ will return in glory, bringing judgment to all who oppose Him and deliverance to all who put their faith in Him.

Christ’s spectacular deliverance will bring mournful repentance to the people of Israel, who will realize their sins against their promised Messiah. The fountain opened at Christ’s cross will pour forth cleansing and restoration to this Israel nation. Even today, anyone who turns to Christ for salvation receives eternal life. The Lord will establish His kingdom in Jerusalem, delivering blessings and governing the world in righteousness. Holiness will permeate every part of life in God’s kingdom. Prophecies of the Lord’s return gives us hope. God’s promised finale and resolution will happen, just as He has declared. God’s people eagerly await that day, sharing the good news of salvation and celebrating Jesus’s rightful place as eternity’s King.