In The Meantime

O. T. #2302  "In the Meantime"

Oct. 18, 2022

Zechariah 8-Part 3

But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

One day it will be better. In the meantime, we hold onto the end of our rope of faith. Have you got Jesus? Have you got faith? Have you got the love in your heart? Is there joy? Israel had been in the land of Jerusalem for about 10 years and had not yet completed the Temple, which was why they returned in the first place.

Beginning with verse 9, we read the LORD saying:

• Let your hands be strong and finish the task.
• Hear the word of the prophets, who encouraged you while laying the Temple's foundation.
• Before the work began, there were no jobs nor money to hire people or animals. No traveler was safe from the enemy, who were on all sides. Everyone was turned against each other, as the Lord willed. 
• Here is a promise: God said He will not treat the residue (remnant; portion: that had escaped) as He had treated them before.

Israel learned from the bitter experience of captivity. They were in hard times. Why were there blessings they received?

When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7)

God was planting seeds of peace and prosperity among the remnant of Israel and Judah. (I always thought it was only Israeli Jews, not those from Judah, who returned.) Grapevines would be heavy with fruit. The rains would come, crops produce (verse 12) No longer were they symbols of a cursed nation. What blessings!

Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So do not be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple. (verse 13) 

LET IT GROW 

The LORD was determined to punish the remnant when their ancestors angered Him, but He was determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. What did God direct them to do?

• He told them to not be afraid.
• They were instructed to tell the truth to each other; Render verdicts in the courts that are just and lead to peace.
• Do not scheme against each other.
• Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. (verses 16-17) 

  Are our ways just and merciful? Are we telling the truth, always?           

LET IT GO

Are there some practices from the previous list that we need to let go of so we obey God?

LET IT GROW