The Benefits Include Longevity and Fertility 

Zechariah 8:3-5 (NIV) – 3 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain. ” 4 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. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there. ”

God promises through prophet Zechariah that several things will happen after restoration of a good relationship with God. Jerusalem will be known as God’s city. God will protect Israel from enemies from all directions.

God promises that restoration of a good relationship with God will also lead to a good economy. Finances will be available to make business transactions, pay workers and facilitate trade. Agriculture will thrive as crops do well. 

God promises that when Israelites restore their relationship with God, they will be seen as a blessing. In the past they were seen as a curse, but now they are a blessing.

God promises that even their days of fasting will be turned into festivals. Israel will be so attractive that foreigners will come pleading to be associated with the God of Israel. This will happen when their relationship with God is restored.

All these promises are in Zechariah chapter eight. God tells Israelites that a restoration of a good relationship with Him brings a better life and positive changes. God tells them that what He now expects from them (1) speak the truth to each other (2) justice to prevail in court (3) do not scheme against each other (4) do not swear falsely. God hates these things and anyone restored to God avoids them completely!

Zechariah 8:4-5 (NIV) – 4 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. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there. ”

What caught our attention as we read Zechariah chapter eight is verse four and five. God promises a long life and fertility to the community. As a result of a restored relationship with God, the number of old people roaming the streets and enjoying life, will rise sharply!

Old people all over. Old people not sickly but in the streets chatting and catching up. Old people not hiding in regret and cursing the past, but happily interacting with society. A happy long life is a consequence of a restored relationship with God!

You can live a healthy life. You can be so disciplined in your lifestyle. But without a good relationship with God, there is no guarantee of a long life. Only God guarantees a long life. He guarantees it to those who have restored their relationship with Him.

Zechariah 8:4-5 (NIV) – 4 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. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there. ”

The same streets that old people will be roaming with their walking sticks will be full of children. Children not begging for food and money. Children not as street children. Children not in the streets being abused in child labor. The children will be in the streets playing and laughing.

Many children in a community is a sign of fertility.  When our relationship with God is restored, our fertility will peak and many children will be born. Children all over playing is a blessing from God!

When old people are happily roaming the streets. When children are playing in those same streets. The old will guide the young. What a blessed community!

There could be many factors to longevity and fertility, but one critical one is a restored relationship with God. To have longevity in your family or community is a privilege given to those who have a good relationship with God. To be fertile and have many children is divine favor. It all begins with a good relationship with God!

Dear God help us to have a good relationship with you. Restore our relationship with you. May all the blessings in Zechariah eight come to us, including longevity and fertility, in Jesus’s name, Amen!

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