Day 214 – Zechariah: Climate of the times
“Come away, people of Zion, you who are exiled in Babylon! After a period of glory, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plundered you. For he said, ‘Anyone who harms my most precious possession. I will raise my fist to crush them, and their own slaves will plunder them.” Zechariah 2:7-9 NLT
Zechariah served as a prophet to Judah around 520 BC when the nation faced struggles and there was a general sense of weakness and defeat amongst them. The book of Zechariah is characterised by the aftermath of the Babylonian Exile and a period of spiritual and national restoration. His prophecies in a time lacking abundance, leading to pleas for God’s favour (symbolised by the blessing of the “latter rain”, crucial for filling out the grain and cops and bringing forth lush grass). This signified a time of great blessing, abundance, and a full harvest.
His message of hope and restoration applies to us today, that even in times of discouragement and despair, God is working out His plan. He will protect and guide all who trust, follow, and love Him.
Prayer: Father, thank You for such a powerful message we can carry in our hearts today. I pray that you deliver us from the exiles we face today: addictions, distractions, lukewarmness, and disobedience. Amen.
