Verses 4-5: This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
This is a beautiful image from God, old people sitting in the streets watching children play. It is a vision of peace. A peace which God promises if the Israelites will obey God's commands.
There is nothing new in regards to the incentives of true religion. Where there is obedience there will be blessing. Where there is disobedience there will be judgment.
Unfortunately obedience is difficult for Israelites. They worry about enemies beyond their borders coming to attack when in reality they are their own worst enemy because of their sin.
So what is the result? There is still no peace in Jerusalem.
Is it because God has brought enemies to fight them?
No.
When we obey God's commands of genuine love, we don't have any conflict. It is written in Proverbs 16:7 "When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him."
It is no wonder that in the last 3,000 years the world has only known 130 years of peace.
What does that say for our ability to please God?
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