12-31-06 Zechariah 2:4, 5

Zechariah 2:4, 5 (KJ21)
And said unto him, "Run, speak to this young man, saying, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and cattle therein. For I,’ saith the LORD, ‘will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. "

Zechariah 2:4, 5 (NAS)
And said to him, "Run, speak to that young man, saying, ‘Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls, because of the multitude of men and cattle within it. ‘For I,’ declares the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’"

Zechariah 2:4, 5 (NIVUS)
And said to him: "Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. 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 (NLT)
The other angel said, "Hurry, and say to that young man, ‘Jerusalem will someday be so full of people that it won’t have room enough for everyone! Many will live outside the city walls, with all their livestock—and yet they will be safe. For I, myself, will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!’"

In ancient times towns and villages would build walls around themselves. These walls provided protection and safety from outside enemies and marauders. Cities without walls were easy prey for anyone who chose to attack them.

Perhaps you have built walls around yourself. You may have been hurt many times and you thought by hiding behind those walls you would always be protected. However, the walls you have built may keep enemies out, but they also hinder those who would be friends from drawing closer to you. This is not the best the Lord has for your life.

Adonai has sent His anointed servants and ministers to you to speak of His plans and purposes for your life. In fact He has instructed and commanded them to run quickly to bring you His promises. The Lord your God has planned that you be like the city of Jerusalem, walking and living in His covenant of peace. Through this you are complete and sound. In God's peace you are safe and more protected than being behind the thickest wall.

The Lord's best for you is that you dwell without walls, living openly before Him and others. He has made you to be a chieftain, leader, and warrior who is not afraid. He wants to give you greatness and abundance. You will be like a rancher with tens of thousands of head of cattle.

Instead of the walls that you build, Jehovah the Lord will be like a wall of fire around about you. You can be open and unafraid, for He surrounds you with His hot and burning protection. You will live in His glory and honor.