‘For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. ‘
Zechariah 2:8
Zechariah 2:8 speaks of God’s protective love for His chosen people, the Jewish people. Let’s explore parallel passages in the apostle Paul’s writings that echo this theme for us today under the dispensation of grace:
1. Philippians 1:28–29
‘and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, ‘
Please take the time to read this verse carefully several times to grasp the significance of these words. Often, we read these without truly pondering their implications. The individuals being referred to here are those who oppose believers, individuals responsible for the persecution of believers. These persecutors have, in essence, hardened themselves against God, sealing their own eternal doom. This reality remains unchanging. Anyone who opposes the gospel or inflicts persecution upon believers, barring their own salvation, is heading towards eternal doom—that’s the essence of perdition. Paul is conveying that those who persecute believers and subject them to external pressures are ultimately destined for their own perdition, their self-inflicted doom.
Moreover, this persecution serves as evidence of our own salvation. When external pressures and opposition arise, it becomes a validating mark of our genuine faith. It’s a cautionary note that if everyone around us speaks only praise and has nothing critical to say, we should examine our faith. The unbelieving world, inherently in disagreement with our beliefs and values, should not readily complement us. Paul, in his message to the Philippians, emphasizes that when faced with pressures from the outside world, be it from Judaisers (legalists), Pagans, or Romans, it serves as evidence of both the persecutors’ perdition and the believers’ salvation.
2. Ephesians 1:4-5
‘just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,’
Just as God protects Israel, He has chosen and predestined grace-age believers in Christ. We are His adopted children, protected, cherished, and loved.
3. Romans 8:38–39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The apostle Paul emphasizes that nothing can separate us from God’s love. We are the “apple of His eye,” securely held in His protective embrace.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:16
‘Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?’
Believers are indwelled with God, the Holy Spirit. Much like the eye, which is precious and sensitive, God’s Spirit resides within us. Those who seek to harm us are essentially attempting to harm God Himself.
5. Galatians 4:6-7
‘And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.’
We are not just saved from hellfire; we are God’s children. His Spirit within us testifies to our identity as heirs of His promises.
In summary, these passages reinforce the truth that believers are sealed for eternity as God’s children, protected, and cherished by God. Just as Zechariah 2:8 speaks of the nation of Israel being the “apple of His eye,” Paul’s writings echo this divine affection and security for both Jews and Gentiles in this dispensation of grace. May this assurance strengthen your faith today. 🙏🏼✨
Recommended reading:
100% Unashamed of the gospel of grace.
- Salvation is by ‘Believing’ the Gospel by Faith Alone - April 21, 2024
- Counter-Cultural Humility: A Reflection on Philippians 2:3 - April 17, 2024
- Unbreakable: Finding Strength in Romans 8 - April 16, 2024
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