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     This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'” Zech. 8:23

 

Gracious heavenly Father, every day, without exception, we need to be reminded of where history is heading. For we’re forgetful and fearful people, way too easily influenced by the spin of pundits and the banter of news-speak. Give us eyes to see what you are up to today; ears to hear the angels singing about fresh conversions; and a heart to engage with your redeeming and restoring in our communities.

This great promise you made through a minor prophet is the major headline we need to remember today, and every day. Your providence, not random coincidence, is determining the next thing, and the next thing and the next thing. Your timing is Swiss and your generosity is measureless.

Indeed, all of history is the unfolding story of your commitment to redeem your pan-national family and make all things new through the work of your Son, Jesus. This outcome isn’t merely a great possibility or a grand probability, but a covenantal certainty. For nothing will keep you from magnifying the excellencies of your glory through the work of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you are the one Zechariah was writing about in this passage. You are the “one Jew” of the Father’s promise—the faithful remnant of Israel. You are the second Adam—the only Nazarene in whom there was no guile; the Lord who became the Lamb—our substitute in life and in death. We lay hold of the hem of your robe only because you grasp us in the gospel.

Lord Jesus, in light of who you are and what you’ve already accomplished on our behalf, how can we not leap for joy? How can we not be moved to pray with great hope for our churches, communities, and cities?

We need renewal and we need revival, Jesus. We need you to send your Spirit to stir us up. We long for a contagious gospel renewal to break out in our local congregations. We long for substantiated rumors of your transforming presence in our midst to be repeated through our cities.

We long to have the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the religious and the irreligious, the washed and the unwashed, the found and the lost, the unrighteous and the self-righteous come together to hear, believe, and live the gospel.

Why not us, Jesus, and why not now? We’re tired of playing church. We’re bored with ourselves. Magnify your name in our midst and in this hour. So very Amen we pray, in your most majestic and merciful name.

 

 

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