"To Whom Do We Turn?"

O. T. #2270 

September 1, 2022 

Zechariah 1-Part 2 "To Whom Do We Turn?"

Thus says the Lord of Hosts: "Return to Me," says the Lord of Hosts, "and I will return to you." (Zech. 1:3)

LET IT GLOW

Why is it that some Christians seem to go so much deeper in their walk with God than others, yet some slide backward in their faith, returning to their old ways and acting as if Jesus no longer means anything to them? How is it that some believers had powerful intercessory prayer ministries which change the courses of nations, while others do not pray at all? Why are some able to teach or preach the Word with great results while others do no even read it? 

Blackaby explains that it is because those individuals have committed themselves to pursuing God until His presence is powerfully real in their lives. They settle for nothing less than a vibrant relationship with God, and He had honored their desire. 

Are we hungering for more of God or is our relationship with Him complacent? God loves even the backslider and stands ready to forgive. We must guard against sliding backward in our faith. Return to God and He will return to you. There is so much more in store for us if we will return to Him. He awaits our response.

Matthew 7:7 guarantees that if we seek Christ, we will find Him. Much of the Christian life rests upon our response and our desire to experience God to the fullest.

[Resources: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, a devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby; Wisdom For Each Day, a devotional by Billy Graham]

LET IT GROW

The invitation God gave to the Jews was what? It was to turn back to Him. That was the young preacher's first message to God's people. God was not going to bless His people unto they were clean before Him and obeyed Him. 

In the Hebrew language, turn is the word shuwb (shoob), which means to turn back; bring (again, back, home again); refresh.

God wanted His remnant to turn from their wicked/selfish ways back to Him. God had left His people on their own and trouble came. The remnant had not put God first so He could not bless them. 

If we want to be close to God, we must be obedient and develop godly character. (A. W. Tozer)

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Haggai had the same message that Zechariah did. It was because they served the same God. 

James 4:8 tells us if we will draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Are we willing to draw?

Draw means to coil, wrap, or draw up in the Greek language.

LET IT GO 

Help us to wrap our soul around You and Your Word, Jesus. Wrap around us with Your love and forgiveness. give us strength to carry on faithfully until You call us home.

Your mercies are new everyday. Thank You Sweet Jesus.

Your praise will ever be on my lips. Worthy are You, Lord Jesus.

May we continue to be faithfully praying for others.