Then the angel of the LORD said, ‘O LORD of hosts, how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?’ And the LORD answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. Zechariah 1:12-13
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:7-13, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). Here, scripture describes a vision of a horseman (vv7-17) - an angel - whose horses' purpose was to "patrol the earth" on behalf of the Lord (vv10-11). The angel asks God how long He will show no mercy and be angry with Judah (v12) and God responds with "gracious and comforting words" (v13). So far in my reading of Zephaniah and Haggai, we see God full of grace and compassion on His people, as long as they repent and return to fellowship with Him. This does not mean of course that we will not be punished for our sin and suffer the consequences. We must be prepared for God to deal with us according to what we have done - see also post yesterday and Romans 2:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. God is just - yet most importantly we should see God love us, so much so that He sent His Son!
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My Prayer: Jesus, You are amazing indeed! I can never be separated from Your love and Your grace continues to pour over me - ceaselessly. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
