A PROMISE OF JOY AND ABUNDANCE
“So again in these days I am determined to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear”
(Zechariah 8:15).
The ten promises of Zechariah 8 that we mentioned yesterday were a second chance for Israel to establish a relationship of love and obedience with God. God always seeks reconciliation, just as we see in the same chapter: ‘I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness» (Zechariah 8:8); “But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days” (Zechariah 8:11). These seem like the words of someone in love who wants to get back together with their beloved. The chapter begins by saying that God watches over us, not with selfish jealousy similar to human jealousy, but with tender, compassionate care and with the desire for a faithful relationship. How could the Israelites play with God’s feelings? They didn’t realize that they didn’t deserve the promise of a second pact, a second opportunity. The ten promises for the restoration of Jerusalem could be summarized as: protection, divine presence, peace and joy, the ability to do what seemed impossible, renovation of the pact, strength, truth and peace, praise and joy instead of pain, an attractive religion, and provision for their needs.
Each promise includes a responsibility.
If we ask for protection, let’s accept it. If we ask for His presence, let’s enjoy it. If we ask for peace and joy, let’s show it. If we expect to be able to do the impossible, let’s begin by doing what is possible. If we ask God to renew His pact with us, let’s be faithful in our part to it. If we ask for strength, let’s exercise it. If we ask for truth, let’s experience it. If we ask for praise instead of pain, let’s sing when we are hurting. If we ask for an attractive religion, let’s leave our comfort circle and interact with others. If we ask God to complete His work in us, let’s allow Him to do so. If we want God to do His part, let’s be sure to do ours.
“It seems as if every heart must respond to such an invitation. The God of heaven is pleading with His erring children to return to Him, that they may again cooperate with Him in carrying forward His work in the earth. The Lord holds out His hand to take the hand of Israel and to help them to the narrow path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, to share with Him the heirship as sons of God. Will they be entreated? Will they discern their only hope? That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today.” Prophets and Kings, ch. 59, p. 706, 713.
Experience the exuberant love of God!
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Angelica Cuate & Esteban Cortes