Seeing America in The Book of Zechariah
A Call to Repentance
Zechariah 1: 1-6 1 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:
2 “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. 4 Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. 5 Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors?
“Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”
As my wife and I began reading the Book of Zechariah in our daily bible reading I was struck by the recurring theme of rebellion with Israel.
In chapter 1 verse four we read: Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord.
Zecharaih is among the most profound of Old Testament Books. The book addresses the theme of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel.
The books of the bible where written for the people of that time but also for us.
In Chapter 1 verse 4 God calls for the people of Israel to turn from their evil ways and he will return to them.
Today as America continues to rebell and turn away from God, yes even now God calls out to us to repent.
Just as the behavior/sins of Israel caused God to bring His wrath and anger upon them we are also experiencing God's wrath and anger.
But do we care enough to repent?
We begin our return to God by repenting of our sins and changing our thinking and behavior. What will YOU do?
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Don't wait! Pray for God's forgiveness and confess your sins to him. Read your bible daily and find a group of like minded Christians at church or elsewhere and make Christ the center of your life!!
Book of Zechariah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview
Video from BibleProject
Watch our overview video on the book of Zechariah, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, Zechariah's visions foster hope in the future promise of the messianic kingdom and challenge Israel after the exile to remain faithful to God.