Tuesday, 3rd Week of Advent

Zechariah 2:1-13
The Daily Office

Even as the Jews around Jerusalem were fighting the other tribes in the area to rebuild their city and Temple, Zechariah's vision in today's reading is a reminder that the work does not depend on them. "Unless the LORD builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). That is a good summary of today's reading. In yesterday's vision, Zechariah heard how angry God was at how the "nations" had treated God's chosen people. But God did not promise yesterday to destroy the nations. God did promise to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, and to comfort his people. But today, God clearly says that the nations are to share in the blessings first promised to Israel.

Here we see the tension between vindication and reconciliation. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have been "enlisted" in the "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18). But the God who reconciles is also a God of justice, who vindicates the wronged and violated. The Jews longed for vindication, and were promised that by God, but not at the expense of reconciliation.

So, how are we to seek vindication without sacrificing reconciliation? In this Advent season of preparation for the Incarnation of God in human flesh; remember that God makes himself as vulnerable to human hurt as we ourselves are. And if Jesus suffered once for our sake, then he is both God and human suffers today when hurt others. So, do not think that when you have been hurt, you have been hurt alone. Jesus is with you in your hurt. And with Jesus beside you, seek your vindication, not in rage, but in quiet confidence that both justice and reconciliation are accomplished with Jesus the Crucified and Risen beside us.

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.