I shall make Jerusalem a burdensome stone to all the peoples.-Zech. 12:3.

Zechariah´s prophecy sheds light on the reason why the nations take their stand against true Christians. To which Jerusalem does this prophecy point? To "heavenly Jerusalem," the heavenly Kingdom to which anointed Christians have been called. (Heb. 12:22) Their heralding of the Kingdom as mankind´s only hope has become "a burdensome stone" to the nations. They try to lift it out of the way by interfering with the Kingdom preachers. In so doing, the meddling nations have received "severe scratches for themselves," getting all cut up. Even their reputations have been hurt as they meet with humiliating failure. They cannot silence true worshippers, who cherish the privilege of proclaiming the "everlasting good news" of God´s Messianic Kingdom before the end of this system of things.-Rev. 14:6. w07 12/15 3:9, 10