Read Zechariah 8:9-19
Zechariah’s message reminds the people of God’s love with a tangible example and a promise. The people can see the construction efforts on the new temple as they are returning from exile. We’ve also heard how the remnant returnees experienced poor profit on their crops and other financial stressors. This message says, “those days are over.”
Soon, the people will start to see all the bounty God promises. After years in exile, these words would have been even more precious and comforting. But the people still needed to listen. The keys to success were being spoken through God’s prophets. How would the people respond to how God was moving?
How do you think the people felt when they heard this? “For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you.” How welcome those words would have been! You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief. I would have wondered– how do we nurture those seeds?
Have you ever experienced God’s provision in your life? Maybe it was the right amount of money to meet an obligation you would otherwise not have afforded. Maybe it was your dream job, and, even though was across the country, God worked it all out. We all have times when God has rescued us.
One of my favorite verses in this reading was: “Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing.” When we are used by God, we become his representatives here on earth. Our mission is to bless others how ever God has gifted us. Being a source of God’s blessing to others never gets old.
To be ready for such an assignment, God rescues us each day from the grips of sin. Left to our own devices, we would certainly fall for the devil’s schemes. Instead, God let’s us know what he expects from us, and what he despises. “But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Don’t scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the Lord.”
This isn’t a very long list. But if you’re caught in these sinful behaviors, you know how hard it is to break free on your own. We all need God. Why not tap into that power today? Are you going through something? Are you ready to be blessed by God so that you can be a source of blessing for others? Reflect on how these verses of promise speak to your need.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, I do love truth and peace. Having you in my life has made such a big difference in both. You are the truth I stand on. I can find peace in your presence. When I trust in you, I feel so safe and secure. Thank you for your many blessings. Use me to be a source of blessing for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
