Marks Of A Mighty Nation
Marks of a mighty nation. Five hundred years before the arrival of Jesus Christ, the prophet Zechariah spoke of his coming. And provided the marks of a mighty nation.
Marks of a mighty nation. The source of it’s strength
I will make them strong in the Lord, and they will walk in my name. (ESV, Zechariah 10:12)
How do you become strong in the Lord and walk in His name? By worshipping the one true God. Accepting the Bible as His word. Cherishing it. Studying it. And applying its teachings to your life.
As you grow in understanding and following God’s word, you grow in knowing God. And His word guides your life on a path that seeks to honor and glorify Him.
Israel’s strength as a nation was always characterized by national faithfulness to God. And here, the prophet Zechariah affirms that promise. As long as the people remained faithful to God, He remained faithful to them.
Therefore, their confidence as a nation was never in themselves. But the power of their mighty God.
Marks of a mighty nation. Unified by its leader
Behold your king is coming to you righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (ESV, Zechariah 9:9)
Zechariah foretells of a coming savior…the Lord Jesus Christ. And he accurately predicts the exact manner Jesus arrives to establish his kingdom. Riding on a donkey. However, contrary to popular opinion, Jesus established a spiritual throne rather than a political one. His mission was not to set Israel free from Roman oppression, but to free mankind from the oppression of sin.
Rather than demonstrate physical power, Jesus demonstrated spiritual power and conquered sin through his sacrificial death on the cross. It was an act of humlity and submission to his Father’s will.
And those who submit to his Lordship and live in humble relationship with one another are unified in his name. And empowered through His Spirit. Jesus began an unexpected revolution. One that takes place within the heart.
Marks of a mighty nation. The fear of its God subdues its enemies.
From the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you for we have heard that God is with you. (ESV, Zechariah 8:23)
God’s covenant with Israel was established with Abraham, somewhere between 2100 – 1900 B.C. From then to now the nation had a hot and cold history of faithfulness to God. It narrowly avoided extinction several times when it was rescued and restored by God. And usually involved a spiritual recommittment of the people to God.
Faithfulness to God has remained the source of its success.
A shared committment to God unifies through common purpose and practice of faith. Which in turn, establishes shared moral beliefs and common cultural practices. This promotes a stable economy and fosters military power. Even more, it builds strength of national character, resilency, and resolve.
But it was the power of Israel’s God that their enemies most feared. A God that defeated entire armies without Israel even going to battle. So that Israel’s enemies sought peace rather than war.
Yes, King David built a formidable army and his “mighty men” were legendary. But even more impressive was a young shepherd boy who defeated Goliath with a sling and stone, but backed by a mighty God.
So rather than walk softly and carry a big stick, perhaps a better approach is “walk humbly and serve a big God.”
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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