A Global World
The new ‘Jerusalem’ is to be of a size never previously contemplated, with a recognition of the natural world alongside people. What today might be described as global with a modest green emphasis. The idea may not appeal to everyone in the same way.
What do you feel, for example, when you see a man outside your house with theodolite, tapes and a ruler? Joy? Thank goodness someone is taking action? A new development must be on the horizon? Or fear? Even suspicion. ‘Young man, what are you doing with that?’ Of course we need action. We have been saying so for years. But who is up to what? And when and where? Questions flood the brain and may be more an indication of our basic attitudes than of any serious intent to acquire information. So what do you think were Zechariah’s first thoughts when he sees someone in the city with a measuring rod?
How, for example, do you read his emotions when he hears they are planning towns without walls? A brilliant idea? Openness and freedom. A world in which everyone can come and go. No passports, visas or planning control. A huge oyster waiting to be cracked open and no more big defence budgets.
But wait. Freedom to go out means freedom for others to come in. People may have forgotten that their ancestors were immigrants — a rabble of slaves who bulldozed their way into Canaan — but the thought of anyone being able to walk into their city, without walls, is enough to strike apprehension if not terror in the most placid of individuals. Who will come? What will they be like? What will they do? What will it mean for us?
For people with such conflicting emotions and interests Zechariah offers encouragement. The size of the city is something God can handle. Defences will not be needed because God will care for it. This city will be a new expression of his glory (v 5). Is he saying that when we widen our horizons, welcome other people and embrace other cultures, we may discover a fullness of life not previously contemplated? Whatever the answer it certainly calls for patience and a long haul. The Jews were still wrestling with the Gentiles in the time of Paul.