Zechariah 8:1-13
May 18th 2025, Third Holy Day of the Month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, Pastor
Through the words spoken by the LORD of hosts, let us learn three things that we should remember.
First, God loves us enough to be jealous. This jealousy is different from the sinful one of mankind. It is jealousy from God's serious love for those whose hearts are turned away from Him. We need to confront this love of the LORD.
Second, God can overturn circumstances. At that time, Jerusalem was in ruins and the number of people in the city was small, but God said that He would overturn the situation. We don’t have to be discouraged, no matter how devastating the situation before us might be.
Third, God commands us to take courage (to let our hands be strong). The fact that they are told twice to take courage suggests that they had completely lost their courage. But they had heard God's promise. Based on His promise, He commanded them to take courage.
We are also given His promises. The LORD loves us seriously and walks with us. Let us trust in the LORD and walk in courage!
<The Word of the Bible>
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: 13 (English Standard Version)
