City of Truth

​“Thus says the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/zec.8.3.NASB1995

There is a city in New Mexico called “Truth and Consequences” formerly known as “Hot Springs” this town was influenced by the tenth anniversary of the game show of the same name in 1950. As a silly challenge, the host of the game show asked if any town in America would change its name to “Truth and Consequences” Hot Springs took the call and the rest is history. 

I wonder if would we answer God’s call to be a city of truth. Zechariah is telling us that God will one day once again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem. There will be life once again in the streets. 

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/zec.8.4-5.NASB1995

Life will be calm and the old men will sit in the town square not afraid of hoodlums or punks but will be able to sit in peace. If there is a dispute they will judge rightly between parties. The old women will be there to provide food and clothes for those who need them. The kids will play ball in the streets and life would be good in the town of truth dwelling with God.

“so I have again purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear! These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/zec.8.15-16.NASB1995

Because of this close fellowship with God, there will be others wanting the truth and peace God brings.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/zec.8.23.NASB1995

But the kicker is we could have this now. We don't have to wait until God moves into our city. God already lives in us through the Holy Spirit. And we can influence our city for God and live in a city of Truth, but it starts with the Truth residing in us!

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.17.17.NASB1995

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.8.32.NASB1995

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/jhn.14.6.NASB1995