But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” Zechariah 8:11-13
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 today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 8:1-17, which the commentary outlines as the fifth of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17). The overarching theme - as described by the commentary's title for the text - the commentary uses for the text 7:1-8:23 is Transformed from Trusting Our Capabilities to Trusting His Faithfulness. The beginning of chapter 7 discusses how God's people focused on extra-biblical ritual fasting as a reflection of their own desires and powers vs leaning on God and what He seeks from us. The commentary for the text today 8 alludes to this with how it opens with how "[Zechariah] begins to tell the people exactly what God will do as He transforms their fasting into feasting. In the opening verse God reminds His people of His jealous love for Zion, that is, Jerusalem....God makes promises to His people, revealing His faithfulness to accomplish what they are incapable of doing on their own." The commentary then outlines what God will do:
- He will return to Jerusalem - v3
- He will bless the residents of the city with both long life and new life - vv4-5
- He will bring the nations to Jerusalem and make them His own - vv7-8
- He will bring peace, productivity, and power to His people - vv9-13
- He will drive away the fear they have experienced - vv14-17
The commentary winds down for the text by sharing how God "meets us in our broken places to transform us from serving ourselves to serving Him, from pursuing empty religion to pursuing His righteousness, from listening to our own desires to hearing His voice, and from depending on our own capabilities to trusting His faithfulness."
As I posted yesterday, similar to how throughout scripture God's servants experienced difficulties, there will be turbulent times in our lives, but nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus (Romans 8:39). He is always with us and we can draw comfort and peace knowing that God has already secured victory over both sin and death. God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfect in our times of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father, You are SO good! Thank You for the mercies You pour out for me daily that never run out. I am undeserving of my salvation and for these mercies. 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.
