Zechariah 6:9–15 – The Symbolic Crowning Of Joshua, The High Priest
Zechariah 7:1–3 – The Question By The Delegation From Bethel
Zechariah 7:4–7 – The Rebuke By The Lord
Zechariah 7:8–14 – The Command To Repent
Zechariah 8:1–17 – The Restoration Of Israel To God’s Favor
Zechariah 8:18–23 – Kingdom Joy And Jewish Favor
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
The Lord desires heart-felt actions, not just words and rituals, “…was it really for me that you fasted? …were you not just feasting for yourselves?” (Zechariah 7:5,6). There are good things found in traditions and consistent worship of our Lord, but when the things become the center of attention, we have lost our way. Such is the foundation for denominational splits and religious bickering. It’s not so complicated, “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'” (7:9-10). Their refusal to pay attention to these demands resulted in exile, extrication from the promised land, 70 years of exile to ensure the generation that hardened their hearts against God would pay the ultimate price.
So much of the Old Testament includes such prophesies. We read them and reflect on the heritage we have inherited and the great promise we enjoy with Christ, but I wonder if we ever think something like this could happen in today’s world. As political powers shift, these prophesies might just foretell what is going on here in this country as we slip away from simple commands and harden our hearts against the Lord. Lord, help us to remember you in all we do, but help us to entreat the masses so we aren’t subjected to becoming the remnant for the next generation.
Zechariah’s great promise in chapter 8, the promise that the Lord will bless Jerusalem once again, is refreshing for all to hear, especially those working hard on rebuilding the temple in Zechariah’s day: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem” (8:3).
The words of the prophet are that of a motivational speech for the workers in Jerusalem. He concludes the chapter, verse 23: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'” What a vision! People flocking to the church to worship the Lord, grabbing Christians in the street and begging to learn about God, the one who saves! Instead of trying to convince people that there is a God of the universe and that he sent his son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, the people will be asking us, 10-to-1, “let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.” Now that’s a turn of events worth getting excited about!
If we truly live as Christ taught, as the enduring word of God provides, people should be asking us for guidance, for understanding, for help. Too often we’re caught up in trivialities, trapped by small issues and spending time rather than investing time. Lord help us to keep you centered, to fight to good fight and leave the rest aside. This requires Divine Discernment, we cannot do this ourselves. Speak to your people today Lord. Open our ears to hear. For your glory and your kingdom endures forever. Amen.