Every day as I read the news out of the Middle East, and as I read what God’s Word has to say about His faithfulness to Israel, I am reminded of God’s promises to Israel in the midst of crisis and chaos. I don’t know about you, but I need frequent reminders of just how faithful God is.

Some of His most amazing promises to Israel are found in Zechariah 8. One year ago, a very excited tour group was in Israel actually seeing fulfillment of part of that beautifully prophetic passage:

⁴ “Thus says the Lord of hosts:

‘Old men and old women shall again sit
In the streets of Jerusalem,
Each one with his staff in his hand
Because of great age.
⁵ The streets of the city
Shall be full of boys and girls
Playing in its streets.’

~Zechariah 8:4-5

Indeed, in the Old City one can see older men and women seated in the gathering square of the Jewish quarter. Nearby is a large playground, to and from which boys and girls play on the cobblestone streets and walkways. Precious to my ears are the calls of “Abba” as young children harken to their fathers.

Today, I encourage you to meditate on the wonderful promises of God in Zechariah 8. Then, please pray verses 2-3 back to the Lord:

² “Thus says the Lord of hosts:
‘I am zealous for Zion with great zeal;
With great fervor I am zealous for her.’

³ “Thus says the Lord:
‘I will return to Zion,
And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth,
The Mountain of the Lord of hosts,
The Holy Mountain.’

Yes Lord, return to Zion and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem! Make it a City of Truth and redeem Your Holy Mountain for your Name’s sake!

PS: February 24 was supposed to be the launch date for our first 2024 tour. For obvious reasons, that tour has been cancelled (as was our October 2023 tour). For those longing to be there, or those longing to go back there, we’ll rewind the February 2023 tour, beginning tomorrow. There is nothing on earth like being in Israel, but hopefully this will be the next best thing! Stick with us for that exciting journey…and invite a friend!