Scripture
Zechariah 8:7-15 (ESV)
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.” Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” For thus says the LORD of hosts: “As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts, so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.
AI Prompt
A serene image of a fruitful grapevine in the style of Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter known for his detailed and fantastical imagery. The grapevine is lush and heavy with clusters of ripe grapes, depicted in Bosch's intricate and surreal style. The leaves of the vine are coated with sparkling dew, rendered with the unique and meticulous detail characteristic of Bosch. The background is mysterious and evocative, typical of Bosch's works, possibly with elements of a soft morning light filtering through, casting gentle shadows and highlighting the dew drops. The overall atmosphere of the image conveys a sense of tranquility blended with the rich, otherworldly essence of Bosch's artistic vision.
Devotional Reflection
The Lord describes his restoration of his people in Edenic terms. The grapevine, once barren, is now full. The dew waters the earth. It once again brings forth its abundance to sustain God's people. This is frequently how the Scriptures speak about salvation. Salvation is not merely the forgiveness of sins (although it is certainly that!). It is the complete restoration of God's creation. It is the "very good" being spoken again over everything that God has made new in Christ Jesus. Salvation is the world put right.