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. Zechariah
1:16
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 a commentary-assisted 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, the commentary emphasizes God's mercy towards His people. It shares how they were deserving of punishment, which of course was captivity and exile, but the oppression of Israel by neighboring nations greatly angered God (v15), whereas His people's wickedness did not trigger the same level of anger. As a result, God showed mercy towards Jerusalem and His people - as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:1-3. The commentary describes four promises made to Zechariah and Israel from the text:
- His returned presence: v16a
- Restored stability: v16b
- Rich blessing: v17a
- Renewed favor: v17b
The commentary offers encouragement to all who seek comfort: "Whoever you are, wherever you have been, and whatever you have done, God longs to be merciful to you...You can come to the God of the universe, throw yourself at His feet, and He will show you mercy. God extends His mercy to us because of the cross of Jesus Christ. God’s people can count on His overflowing mercy."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your grace is amazing indeed and Your mercies are new every morning and never cease - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace and mercies. I am not deserving...of course not! 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.
