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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Zechariah said, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech 9:9). This was a proclamation concerning your Son, Jesus Christ! I rejoice today and celebrate the first coming of my Savior and King. All praise to the Lamb of God! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the delegation from the town of Bethel who came to Jerusalem to seek your favor. This happened almost two years after Zechariah’s night visions. While they were there, Sharezer and Regem-melech asked the priests and prophets whether the fasts to remember the destruction of Jerusalem should continue to be kept. After all, work on the temple was progressing, and it seemed as though fasting was no longer necessary. Through Zechariah, you rebuked the attitude which lay behind the question. Yes, they had fasted during the exile, but their fasts were times of self-pity, not genuine repentance and remorse. They fasted for themselves just as they feasted for themselves. It was an empty ritual because it was not done in sincerity of heart. Zechariah urged the people to repent and practice righteousness, for their self-centeredness had been shared by their wicked and unrepentant fathers. The point to the Jewish remnant was clear: don’t be like your unfaithful, disobedient, covenant-breaking ancestors, or you will suffer a similar fate! After chastening the people, Zechariah encouraged them by prophesying Israel’s future restoration. You wanted the remnant to know that you were “jealous for Zion with great jealousy” (Zech 8:2). You would restore the city in the present, and you would make it even greater in the distant future. Just as you had brought disaster on Judah in the past, “so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not” (Zech 8:14–15). Your plans for their good should motivate them to live holy lives: “speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath” (Zech 8:16–17). If they would do this, if they would “love truth and peace,” you would turn their fasts into times of “joy and gladness and cheerful feasts” (Zech 8:19). Zechariah’s message teaches me that you want me to live a life of godliness and righteousness in the midst of a corrupt and perverse generation. If I do, you will be faithful to guide and bless me! Reflection You told the remnant: “All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me?” (Zech 8:6 NLT). When I struggle with doubt and worry, I need to remember that nothing is too hard for you! (Gen 18:14). Request Father, help me to reject self-centeredness and honor you as the King of my life. May my worship and service always flow from a heart of sincere love and faith! Thanksgiving Thank you for the promise that Jesus is coming again to make war with the nations and establish His kingdom in righteousness and peace (Zech 9:10)! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!” — Henry H. Milman. Meditation Verse: Zechariah 8:16. |