Readings for today: Zechariah 1-7
I love the book of Zechariah. Probably because it includes some of the most glorious promises ever given to God’s people. The name “Zechariah” literally means “Yahweh Remembers.” It’s an appropriate name when one considers the main message of the book. Despite all that has happened to Israel, Yahweh has not forgotten her. He has not forgotten her in her Exile. Not abandoned her to destruction. Not left her to start over with another people group. He is still her God and she is still His people.
Zechariah most likely returned from exile with his grandfather Iddo and father Berechiah. He came from a lineage of priests and in addition to this leadership mantle, was called by God to serve as a prophet alongside the much older Haggai. Whereas Haggai’s prophetic message had a convicting tone, Zechariah’s was more encouraging. Listen again to just a few of the passages we read for today…
“This is what the Lord of Armies says: Return to me - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - and I will return to you, says the Lord of Armies.” (Zechariah 1:3 CSB)
“The Lord replied with kind and comforting words to the angel who was speaking with me. So the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim: The Lord of Armies says: I am extremely jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.” (Zechariah 1:13-14 CSB)
“Therefore, this is what the Lord says: In mercy, I have returned to Jerusalem; my house will be rebuilt within it - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem. Proclaim further: This is what the Lord of Armies says: My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the Lord will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 1:16-17 CSB)
“Daughter Zion, shout for joy and be glad, for I am coming to dwell among you”, this is the Lord’s declaration. “Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day and become my people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the Lord of Armies has sent me to you. The Lord will take possession of Judah as his portion in the Holy Land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 2:10-12 CSB)
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies. ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!” (Zechariah 4:6-7 CSB)
“This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is a man whose name is Branch; he will branch out from his place and build the Lord’s temple. Yes, he will build the Lord’s temple; he will bear royal splendor and will sit on his throne and rule. There will be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two of them.” (Zechariah 6:12-13 CSB)
These promises speak of honor and blessing and restoration. They refer to the rebuilding of the Temple. The restoration of the priesthood. The glory of the worship that will once again fill the Lord’s house. God is raising up political leaders like Zerubbabel and religious leaders like Joshua to guide and direct God’s people to carry out the work God has planned for them. They will again be a light to the nations and will bless the people of the earth. Every obstacle that might rise in their path, God Himself will lay low. Most of all, God’s name will once again receive the glory it deserves.
It is easy at times to feel forgotten. It is easy at times to believe God has somehow abandoned us. When we experience pain and hardship. Suffering and struggle. Trials and temptation. It is easy to lose sight of God in the midst of it all. Zechariah reminds us God never forgets. God never abandons or forsakes us. He never leave us on our own. He is always with us. He will complete the work He began in us. He bring to pass the plans He has for us. He never fails. He is always faithful. No matter what you may be facing today, God is with you. The Lord of hosts is on your side. Trust Him. Believe Him. Lean on Him for strength.
Readings for tomorrow: Zechariah 8-14