This chapter warns those who would trust in mankind’s deliverance and protection over God and His provision.
“For thus the Lord said to me, ‘As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him he is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill. Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it.’ ” (v4-5)
This passages provides wonderful images of who God is. He is like a lion who fiercely protects and remains unshaken, even when threatened. God is also like a gentle mother bird who nurtures her children, yet will fiercely swoop down and attack anyone who threatens them. The analogy shows that if we were to be attacked by a bird or a lion (ie. God), there would be very little we could do to defend ourselves – the lion would overpower us, and the bird can fly which gives them a huge advantage.
This imagery reminds us there is literally nothing humans can do to stop God from fulfilling His will. God is far more powerful than than anyone who could stand against Him, for He has created all beings. I encourage us to remain humble before God, acknowledge that He alone is God, and we are not. I also suggest we praise God using some of the aspects of His character, and mention some of His mighty works. If you’d like inspiration for such praise, you can read/pray almost any psalm – basically all of them praise God in some way (even the lamenting ones).
Father God, our Magnificent and Awesome Creator, You are so far above us in stature, power, and ways of thinking. Yet, You draw near to us in a nurturing and protective manner. You guard our wellbeing with the ferocity of a parent whose child has been threatened. May we fully understand who we are in Your presence, repent of all sin, and praise Your wonderful name. You have created the sea, dry land, the heavens and all that is in them. You have rescued captives and healed the sick, yet we often fail to acknowledge Your countless great works. Please forgive our complacency, and open our hearts to Yours, that we may live and breathe in unison with You. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Redeemer we honor and glorify You, with every fiber of our beings, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training