Zechariah 7 & 8

The message in this chapter addresses one of the most common areas I've personally experienced where I've needed motivation and encouragement.  Those are times when I've felt like I was just "going through the motions"; and this message tells us that at times like that, we need to just "Live for the Lord!"

The message from God in this passage came in response to the question from the people on whether or not they should continue the fasting that they have been doing for the past seventy years commemorating the destruction of the Temple and another for the death of the governor Gedalia.  God answered by pointing out that they were living for themselves and not for HIM.  God instead desired obedience, which can be demonstrated through administering justice, showing mercy and compassion, not oppressing the needy and less fortunate, and not plotting evil against one another.   This somewhat mirrors Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?"  The reminder that their forefathers refused to listen and hear which resulted in desolation was intended to encourage the people to live as His covenant people, in true obedience to HIM.

While fasting is an admirable discipline, yet, it is not so useful if not done for God.   In the same way, if we are just "going through the motions", even for things like going to church, singing, etc; if our hearts are not right and we are not doing it for God, it is not useful.   Everything we do and say should be done for God's Glory!

In Chp 8, God continued His responses to the question raised on Fasting.  He pointed them to a series of 10 PROMISES they could look towards  (all starting w/"This is what the LORD says...."):

1. He will zealously guard their covenant relationship -> Protection for them; Punishment for Enemies
2. He will make Jerusalem His Dwelling Place, and the city will be Faithful/True and Holy -> Presence
3. The City will be safe for old and young alike -> Peace
4. He can accomplish what may seem amazingly impossible to them -> Power
5. He will bring back and also save His covenant people -> Populating (and for His Kingdom)
6. They will be fruitful and blessed -> Prosperity
7. They will experience the goodness of God if they live in obedience to Him -> Preference
8. Their Fasts will become joyful Feasts -> Pleasure
9. Many from other nations (e.g. Gentiles) will come seek the LORD -> Prayer
10. The Jews will fulfill the promise that they will be a light to the world -> Prominence

The view of the Promises intended to motivate and encourage Israel, are the same Promises that we, as the people of God today, can also look towards.  Also, in the middle of all these Promises, Zechariah once again encourages them to "Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built."     "Let your hands be strong" is similar to what God said to Joshua to "Be Strong and Courageous".  So, He was literally encouraging the Israelites, for to "ENCOURAGE" is to be "In Courage" or "Fill with Courage".  This indicates that discouragement comes from fear of something, and to encourage is to help give the courage to overcome that fear.

In the end of the chapter, the verse says, "In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you."  Ten, representing the number of fullness, indicates that MANY will be so "attracted" to God that will grab hold of the edge of those walking by to ask to join in.   This is a reminder to live our lives in such a way that others may see God and be attracted to HIM.

23-Mar:  From today's sermon, it brought to mind that how we see ourselves can affect how other see us.  So, it's important that we should reflect the beauty of our new life in Christ; rather than the darkness of our old sinful selves.
I am encouraged that there were many people who expressed thanks for the lesson, demonstrating that they benefitted from it.   And just listening to what some were saying and even the words used during the prayer time indicated that they had learned from the lesson as well.  Praise God!