“For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.”
(Zechariah 2:5)

God’s promise to Zechariah is applied to His church and people today. It has always been a harsh reality that God’s people have steadfast and committed enemies. Satan is the instigator of all these. We see opposition on many fronts today—an increasingly dark world system, sinful temptations, false doctrine, persecution, and spiritual coldness to name a few.

What is our hope?

Where is our defense?

In God Himself!

He describes Himself as a wall of fire about us. It is said that travelers in Africa have started fires around their camp at night to protect from prowling lions.

God is our fire!

He is too much for Satan. God’s people have always been opposed, they have suffered, they have been dealt harsh blows, but they continue on. Not one of the sheep can be snatched away by the lion, because God is our wall of fire.

But the promise also speaks of God’s activity within the city. The church should not seek to merely survive, but also to thrive. Our highlight is God. As He works in us to do His will, He gets glory. He is glorified within us when we believe, preach and live out truth. He is glorified as we worship Him. “O, great God, be our fire without and our glory within!”

By Timothy Guess