Day 212 – Zechariah: Messages during the rebuild of the Temple
“Upon hearing this, the angel of the Lord prayed this prayer: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, for seventy years now you have been angry with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah. How long until you again show mercy to them?” And the Lord spoke kind words and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.” Zechariah 1:12-13 NLT
Read Zechariah 1:1 to Zechariah 8:23
The Jews were discouraged. They were free from exile, yet the Temple was not completed. Disobedience was the root of their problems and the cause of their misery as they carelessly followed false leaders and prophets who exploited them. God was jealous of their devotion to Him.
Zechariah encouraged the people to repent of their sins and to continue rebuilding the Temple. His visions described the judgment of Israel’s enemies, the blessing to Jerusalem, and the need for God’s people to remain pure – avoiding hypocrisy, superficiality, and sin. His visions provided hope.
There was opposition to God’s plan in Zechariah’s day, and he prophesied future times of trouble. However, the story remains unchanged from those days to this beautiful morning. We also experience opposition to God’s plan in our lives and for our communities. But God’s word endures – then and now. God’s infinite love, kindness, and personal care have been demonstrated throughout the centuries, and we can be assured in it today. God keeps His promises.
Prayer: Father, thank You that during difficult times, You still love and care for us. Thank You for sending prophets and people with words of encouragement to point our focus towards Your Kingdom. Amen.
