Heaven is Better than Eden

 “And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.” (Zech 2:11)

There is perhaps nothing more joyful and integral to the Gospel than that the promise extends to the whole world. Anyone, regardless of status, descent, or history can be reconciled to King Jesus through the paid-penalty and resurrection. In this third of Zechariah’s night visions, we find another glorious stone laid in the monument of Christ’s work. Not only does King Yahweh see the plight of His people and act on their behalf to bring rescue, He furthermore reveals that each step has been part of His master plan to bring life and salvation to all people—even the nations who have worked so hard against Him!

And God’s plan is not a mere return to the glory days of Solomon. Just as the tents of the tabernacle in the wilderness were a constant reminder to the wandering Israelite nation that they were not yet in their final resting place, so the temple of Solomon, with all its pomp and circumstance, was to be a reminder that God is bigger than any house, His plans bigger than any walled city. Zechariah’s man with the measuring line goes out to Jerusalem and determines that it is too small to house God’s plan for His people. Solomon’s gilded walls were nice, but they are too small for God’s imagination. God will have His people dwell in a city without limitation, protected by the fiery determination of God.

Jesus is the fuel of the promise of salvation for the whole world. Eden was wonderful, a paradise between rivers; Heaven is better than Eden, covering the entire world and without danger of talking serpents.

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