Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem. Zechariah 1:16-17
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 1:14-17, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). Here, v14 shares how God is "exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion." God does not need it but He seeks glory for Himself only and He is jealous when His people give away their worship and glory to other gods that cannot compare to the One True God. God is also angry with Judah's neighbors who have oppressed God's people and led them astray with worship of foreign gods - God is angry that these neighbors are at peace while God's people are struggling. Vv16-17 then pivots to how God has "returned to Jerusalem with mercy," and how God's people will once again experience prosperity and the comfort of being in the arms of God. Key once again to this prosperity, comfort, and fellowship with God is repentance of God's people. God's patience is not unlimited and He is all powerful - knowing this and keeping in mind He knows all of our sin, we should run into His arms and stay there as reverent fear of God should serve as a preservative, keeping us from straying from Him.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and mercy that never ceases...thank You Jesus for this grace and mercy and that I can never be separated from Your love. Amazing indeed. Yet I am undeserving of such grace, mercy and love. 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 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.
