Wednesday, June 5, 2019

More Grace!


8 Then this message (word) came to Zechariah from the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah): 9 “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly and show mercy and kindness to one another. 10 Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other. 11 Your ancestors refused to listen to this message. They stubbornly turned away and put their fingers in their ears to keep from hearing. 12 They made their hearts as hard as stone, so they could not hear the instructions or the messages that the LORD of Heaven’s Armies had sent them by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. That is why the LORD of Heaven’s Armies was so angry with them.” Zechariah 7:8-12, New Living Translation 2nd Edition

In Zechariah chapters 7 and 8, the prophet now encourages God’s people to act with mercy, compassion, and fairness towards others based on what they have learned from the first six chapters of his prophecy. Similarly, many epistles (letters) of the New Testament close with the apostle’s encouragement for good deeds and actions, also known as the hortatory section (e.g., see Galatians 5:16-6:10; Ephesians 4:1-5:21; Colossians 3:1-17; 2 Timothy 4:4-8; Titus 3:1-11; Hebrews 13:1-25). Hortatory means “to encourage the reader to do something or act in a certain way.” Zechariah chapters 7 and 8 are the prophecy’s hortatory section.   

Zechariah chapters 7 and 8 open once again with the prophet receiving a divine message or word from the true and living LORD God of all the earth – Yahweh (also known as Jehovah) (Zechariah 7:1; Zechariah 8:1; see also Ezra 5:1). Throughout his prophecy, Zechariah received divine messages from the true and living LORD God about Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, and most importantly about the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Zechariah 1:1; Zechariah 2:3-5, 10-12; Zechariah 4:6-8; Zechariah 5:1; Zechariah 6:9-15; Zechariah 9:9).

On December 7 in the fourth year of King Darius’s reign,[1] the word of the LORD came to Zechariah (see Zechariah 7:1). Literally, Zechariah received another message from the LORD on the fourth day of the ninth month, in the fourth year of King Darius’ reign or December 7, 518 BC. Zechariah’s message in chapter 7 came nearly two years after Zechariah’s previous eight-night visions from the LORD (see Zechariah 1:1, 7). Throughout Zechariah’s prophecy, the prophet had a series of night visions, and the living LORD God sent His messenger or interpreting angel to Zechariah to explain the meaning of these divine night visions (e.g., see Zechariah 1:7-9, 13-14, 19, 21; Zechariah 2:2-3; Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 5:5, 10; Zechariah 6:4-6).

In the fourth year of Darius’s reign, the people of Bethel sent a delegation to Jerusalem to worship, seek the LORD’s favor (grace), and to ask the religious leaders about their national fasts and mourning (see Zechariah 7:2-3). Sarezer and Regem-Melech headed the delegation from Bethel (see Zechariah 7:2). Essentially, the delegation from Bethel came to Jerusalem to seek the living LORD God’s blessings and seek His favor (grace) (Zechariah 7:2; Zechariah 8:21-22; see also 1 Samuel 13:12; 1 Kings 13:6; Jeremiah 26:19; Malachi 1:9).

While in Jerusalem, the delegation from Bethel asked the religious leaders this question: “Should we plan for a day of mourning and abstinence next August, the seventieth anniversary of Jerusalem’s fall, as we have been doing all these years?” (see Zechariah 7:3, The Message). The Jewish people had fasted and mourned the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple (the First Temple) by the Babylonian army for 70 years during their Exile from the living LORD God’s promised land (Zechariah 1:12; Zechariah 8:19; see also 2 Kings 25:9-10, 25; Jeremiah 52:4, 12-14). For the previous 70 years, these fasts mourned and remembered the burning of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army (see 2 Kings 25:1, 23-25; 2 Chronicles 36:17-19; Jeremiah 39:1-2; Jeremiah 52:12-13; Daniel 9:2). The question the delegation from Bethel was: Since Jerusalem and the Temple (Second Temple) was being rebuilt was it now necessary to keep their fasts the fourth month, the fifth, the seventh and the fast of the tenth (see Zechariah 7:3, 5; Zechariah 8:19).[2] The Holy Scriptures are silent and does not require these fasts on the fourth month, the fifth, the seventh and the fast of the tenth month. These fasts were man-made by the religious leaders to remember the destructions of Jerusalem and the Temple.

By way of background, the living LORD God allowed His people Israel and Judah to go into foreign Exile away from His Promised Land because of their repeated unfaithfulness and rebellion against Him and His covenant, which is the Ten Commandments (e.g., see Exodus 34:1, 28; Deuteronomy 4:13 and Deuteronomy 10:4; Jeremiah 14:11-12). Before the Exile, the leadership and the people of Israel and Judah became rebellious and unfaithful to the living LORD God and His covenant (Zechariah 1:4; see also e.g., 2 Kings 17:7-23; 2 Kings 21:10-16; Psalm 78:8; Jeremiah 2:5). Israel and Judah followed all the evil pagan practices of the surrounding nations, relied on foreign powers and not the LORD, worshipped idols such as Baal, and sinfulness became deeply ingrained in their hearts and minds (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:10-12; 1 Chronicles 5:25; 2 Chronicles 36:14; Isaiah 7:1-9; Hosea 10:1-8).

The living LORD God Almighty repeatedly sent His servants (prophets) to warn Israel and Judah to REPENT of their wicked sins, TURN from their evil ways, and OBEY Him and His covenant because He loved His people (Zechariah 1:4-6; Zechariah 7:7, 12; see also e.g., Exodus 20:1-23:9; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 24:19; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Isaiah 1:15-20, 23-24; Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 7:13, 24-25; Jeremiah 11:7-8; Jeremiah 25:4-6; Jeremiah 35:15-16; Ezekiel 33:10-11). Through His prophets, the living LORD God commanded Israel and Judah to do right and good by seeking mercy and justice for orphans (fatherless), the poor, foreigners (refugees), and the widows (e.g., see Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 25:17; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 56:1; Jeremiah 5:1, 28; Jeremiah 22:3-5; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:6-8). Even more, the living LORD God commanded the people to turn from adultery, sexual sins, idolatry, murder, greed, falsehood, dishonesty, thief, and bribes (e.g., see Isaiah 1:21-23; Galatians 5:17-21). Despite the holy prophet’s repeated messages to REPENT and TURN from their evildoing and evil ways, Israel and Judah despised and refused to listen to the living LORD God’s prophets and ignored His requirements for righteousness (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 7:11-12; see also e.g., 2 Kings 17:13-15; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 2 Chronicles 36:16). Instead of listening to the living LORD God’s holy prophets, the people turned to idolatry and lying priests and prophets that polluted God’s land and led the people away from the living LORD God and His covenant (e.g., see Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; 2 Chronicles 36:14; Jeremiah 14:14-15; Jeremiah 23:13, 16-17, 30-31; Lamentations 4:13).

So, the living LORD God became angry at Israel and Judah and decided to punish His wicked people (Zechariah 1:2, 12, 15; see also e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:16; Isaiah 1:24-24). First, the living and sovereign LORD God Almighty raised up the Assyrians against the ten northern tribes of Israel (see 2 Kings 17:1-6). In 722 BC, the Assyrian army destroyed the ten northern tribes of Israel and scattered Israel from the living LORD God’s land (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:18-20; 2 Kings 18:11-12; Daniel 9:6, 10).

After Judah and Jerusalem saw what happened to Israel’s ten northern tribes, the people temporarily repented and turned to the living LORD God Almighty under the good kingships of King Hezekiah and his son Josiah (e.g., see 2 Kings 18:3-8; 2 Kings 22:1-2). Hezekiah and Josiah cleared Judah and Jerusalem of mediums, spiritists, household gods, idols, and other forbidden worship objects in Judah and turned the people’s hearts to worshipping and serving the true and living LORD God Almighty (e.g., see 2 Kings 23:21-25). However, after King Hezekiah and King Josiah’s deaths, the people of Judah and Jerusalem turned back to their wickedness, rebellion, and evildoing against the living LORD God Almighty and His covenant. Judah and Jerusalem worshipped other gods, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists (e.g., see 2 Kings 21:1-9).

Because of such evil and wickedness, the living and sovereign LORD God Almighty raised up the Babylonians against Judah and Jerusalem to punish His wicked and rebellious people (e.g., 2 Kings 21:10-16; 2 Kings 23:26-28; 2 Kings 25:1-25; 2 Chronicles 36:17). The living LORD God permitted the Babylonians to invade Jerusalem and Judah beginning in 605 BC and again in 597 BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 24:1-2, 10-12; Ezekiel 1:1-2; Daniel 1:1-2). Finally, in 586 BC, the living LORD God allowed the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem, break down the walls of the city, and set fire to Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple (see 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21). Then, the living LORD God scattered His people as with a whirlwind among the far-off foreign nations and away from His Promised Land (Zechariah 7:14; see also Zechariah 1:18-20; Zechariah 2:6). The Jewish people now became refugees (aliens) and became the vulnerable class they had previously oppressed. The land of Israel, Jerusalem, and Judah became a bare and isolated wasteland, and no one traveled through the land (Zechariah 7:14; see also Ezekiel 12:19-20; Zephaniah 3:6). The living LORD God is patient, merciful, loving, and gracious, but He will NOT continually allow our sinful behavior to continue (e.g., see Exodus 34:5-7; Nahum 1:2-3).

For seventy years, God’s people had no Temple and the Promised Land was resting (Zechariah 1:12; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 36:21; Jeremiah 25:8-14; Jeremiah 44:2-6; Daniel 9:2). In the book of Zechariah, the prophet reminded the people they experienced the living LORD God’s wrath during the Exile because of their disobedience to the living LORD God and His covenant (Zechariah 1:5-6; see also Leviticus 26:32-33; Deuteronomy 4:27; Deuteronomy 28:64-67). However, the prophet Jeremiah previously predicted the restoration of Israel and Judah after the seventy-year Exile (e.g., see Jeremiah 29:10-14). During the seventy years of Exile, God’s people realized their rebellion, repented, and confessed their sins and evil against the living LORD God and His covenant (Zechariah 1:6; see also e.g., Lamentations 2:17; Daniel 9:4-24). The living LORD God heard His people’s genuine and wholehearted prayers of repentance and forgave their sins (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:5-7; Psalm 51:1-4; Proverbs 28:13). Psalm 126 records the joy and laughter of God’s restored people after the Exile.

Because of His love for His people, the living and sovereign LORD God raised up the Persia kings Cyrus and later Darius (Hystaspes) to restore His people Israel and Judah to His land, Palestine and rebuild the Temple (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1, 13; Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 6:3-5). The Old Testament book of Ezra tells of God’s people under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua returning to Palestine to rebuild Jerusalem and His Temple in approximately 538 BC through King Cyrus pronouncement (Zechariah 4:8-9; see also Ezra 2:68-3:13). However, the returning Jews stopped the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple because of discouragement, enemy opposition, and even government opposition (e.g., see Ezra 4:1-5, 23-24). Then in approximately 520 BC during Darius of Persia’s reign, the living and sovereign LORD God raised up His servants, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage God’s people to finish the work of rebuilding Jerusalem and God’s Temple (see Ezra 5:1-2; Ezra 6:14; Haggai 1:2, 7-8, 15; Zechariah 1:1, 7; Zechariah 7:1; Zechariah 8:9-11).

While in foreign Exile, the Jewish people had fasted and mourned on certain days in memory of the Jerusalem siege and overthrow by the Babylonians. Now, the delegation from Bethel questioned the Jerusalem religious leaders if they should continue their fasts mourning the destructions of Jerusalem and the Temple (e.g., see Zechariah 7:2-3).

The living LORD God spoke through His servant Zechariah with a message to the people of Bethel to discover their true motives for their fasting, mourning, and other religious rituals (Zechariah 7:4; see also Isaiah 1:11-12). The living LORD God asked the people and priests whether their fasts and mourning every fifth and seventh month for the last 70 years were truly about leaving their sins behind and WHOLEHEARTEDLY coming back to Him (Zechariah 7:3, 5; see also Isaiah 58:1-7). Essentially, the living LORD God asked the Jewish delegation if their ceremonies and rituals were about Him and the good of others or only about their selfish and hypocritical food, fellowship, and fun (Zechariah 7:6; see also 1 Corinthians 10:24, 31-33). Our fasting and mercy towards others go hand and hand (e.g., see Isaiah 58:6-7)!

Then, the living LORD God announced to Zechariah that long ago, when Jerusalem was prosperous, thriving, and her southern areas of Negev and Shephelah along the plain were filled with people, His previous holy prophets warned the people that their half-hearted and insecure worship to Him would surely lead to their ruin and destruction, which occurred in 722 BC by the Assyrians and 586 BC by the Babylonians (Zechariah 7:7, 12; see also Jeremiah 7:13, 24-25). The living LORD God informed Zechariah the same message given by His previous holy prophets for all people:

Make fair decisions. Show faithful love and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor, and do not plot evil in your hearts against one another. Zechariah 7:8-10, HCSB.

Amazingly, the living LORD God’s message of mercy, fairness, goodness, truth, and forgiveness towards one another and caring for the widows, orphans, foreigners, weak, and the poor were given by Moses, the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament apostles, and most importantly by the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior (e.g., see Exodus 22:21-22; Leviticus 19:33; Psalm 82:3-4; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 1:11-17, 23; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 10:12; Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 5:4; Zechariah 8:16-17, 19; Matthew 5:3-10, 16-17, 44; Matthew 22:39; Matthew 23:23; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:12-15; James 1:27; 1 John 3:16-18). The message the living LORD God gave to Zechariah is His same message from generation to generation! The living LORD God informed Zechariah then and say now:

Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Do not take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Do not plot and scheme against one another — that is evil. Zechariah 7:9-10 (MSG)

The Holy Scriptures repeatedly highlights the importance of showing mercy and caring for others in need, mainly those who are poor, weak, sick, the refugees (aliens), the fatherless, and the widows (Zechariah 7:10; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Such openhanded and openhearted life leads to the living LORD God’s mercy and grace towards us when we are in need (e.g., see Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 5:7; Luke 12:33). The living LORD God expects those who are blessed with material prosperity to share and care for the economically vulnerable (e.g., see Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Deuteronomy 24:19-22; Deuteronomy 26:8-12).

Thus, the living LORD God through His prophet Zechariah declared to the delegation from Bethel that their acts of justice and mercy were more important than their fasting and other religious ceremonies (see Zechariah 7:9-10; Zechariah 8:16-17, 19). In other words, the living LORD God wanted from His people genuine fairness, mercy, and compassion towards others – that is a loving relationship with people! Our fasts, ceremonies, and rituals do not constitute true worship if they come from selfish and false motives!

Worship rituals and fasts must focus wholeheartedly on the LORD God, repentance and confession of sins, and the needs of others. True worship to the living LORD God requires justice, mercy, and compassion toward others. The way we treat others shows how obedient we are to the LORD God (e.g., see Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:10, 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; 1 John 2:5). Like the other Old Testament prophets before him, Zechariah emphasized that fasting, rituals, and religious ceremonies are WORTHLESS without our obedience to the living LORD God and DOING mercy and kindness towards others (Zechariah 7:8-10; see also Jeremiah 7:5-7, 23; Jeremiah 21:12)! Similarly, the living LORD God announced through Jeremiah:

Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3, New International Version

Notably, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah warned God’s people that their half-hearted fasting and continued wickedness WILL NOT lead to God’s favor (grace), answered prayers, and healing because such behavior dishonors the living LORD God (Isaiah 58:1-14; see also Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 66:1-4). In Isaiah chapter 58, the prophet noted that the people’s fasted only to please themselves and not to honor Him and to care for hurting people (see Isaiah 58:3). The living LORD God noted that the people’s fasting and religious rituals ended with their continued mistreatment of others, quarreling and strife, and striking each other with wicked fists (see Isaiah 58:4).

Through His prophet Isaiah, the living LORD God warned His people that He does not want only a single day for people to honor and humble themselves before Him (see Isaiah 58:5). The living LORD God announced that the kind of fasting and repentance He has chosen:

Free the people you have put in prison unfairly and undo their chains. Free those to whom you are unfair and stop their hard labor. Share your food with the hungry and bring poor, homeless people into your own homes. When you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Isaiah 58:6-7 (NCV)

The living LORD God promised that when we care, show mercy, and kindness towards others that our light will shine like the dawn, our wounds will quickly heal, and our needs will be met by Him (Isaiah 58:8, 11-12; see also Matthew 5:14). Most importantly, the living LORD God promises to walk before us, answer our prayers, and His glory will protect us (see Isaiah 58:8-9). However, the living LORD God declared that His continued grace (favor) would not come into our lives unless we STOP making trouble for others, using cruel and malicious words, and pointing your finger at others (Isaiah 58:9; see also John 8:11). Instead, the living LORD God declared to EVERYONE to feed those who are hungry, break the chains of injustice, care for your relatives, and help those who are poor and troubled, then our light will shine in the darkness, and we will be bright like sunshine at noon and you will be blessed from heaven (Isaiah 58:6-10; see also Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 2:10). Even more, as we seek the living LORD God’s ways of goodness and loving others, He promised to guide our lives, satisfy our needs, and bless us with His power, restoration, and strength (see Isaiah 58:11-14). Amazingly, the Lord Jesus Christ had the same message of the prophet Isaiah: love and honor the LORD God and love and care for one another (e.g., see Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; John 15:17).

Truly, the living LORD God desires our whole hearts devoted and faithful to Him and His good ways and not in disobedience, corruption, and rebellion (e.g., see Isaiah 1:2-4). Continually, the living LORD God has taught the people through His holy prophets and His Son Jesus has confirmed His Father’s teachings that He is NOT impressed by our man-made human religious rituals, ceremonies, and fasts when we continue to walk and live in rebellion toward Him and hatefulness, anger and mean-spiritedness towards others (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16-19; Proverbs 15:8; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:21-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-25; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; Mark 12:33). Goodness, kindness, and forgiveness towards others are more acceptable to the living LORD God than our fasts, religious ceremonies, and sacrifices (e.g., see Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:16-20).  

Here is the GOOD NEWS! The living LORD God of heaven (Father) sent His Son Jesus as an example for ALL PEOPLE to follow. We are to FOLLOW Jesus’ teaching and example of showing love, mercy, goodness, compassion, and forgiveness for ALL PEOPLE, whether countrymen, friend, enemy, or foreigner (e.g., see Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 9:13; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23; Luke 10:25-37; John 13:34-35; John 15:17). While on earth, Jesus humbly did acts of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and goodness for ALL PEOPLE – rich, poor, young, old, man, woman, Jew, or Gentile (foreigners or non-Jews) as the Light of the World for His Father’s glory (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 9:1-7, 18-22, 24-25, 27-29, 32-33, 35-36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Acts 10:38). Importantly, the New Testament apostles commanded the Church to follow and imitate Jesus Christ’s example of holy living for the LORD God’s glory and to obtain His grace (favor) (e.g., see John 13:14-17; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Philippians 2:5; 1 John 2:6; 1 Peter 2:21-22).

Sadly, the previous generation would not listen to the living LORD God’s message through His holy prophets to REPENT and TURN from their evildoing and evil ways (Zechariah 7:11; see also Zechariah 1:2-6). Instead, the previous generation turned stubbornly away and put their fingers in their ears to keep from hearing the living LORD God’s truthful message (Zechariah 7:11; see also Isaiah 6:10; Ezekiel 2:3-8). Moreover, the previous generation hardened their hearts like flint, afraid to hear the true words revealed to them by His Holy Spirit through the earlier holy prophets (Zechariah 7:12; see also Jeremiah 5:3; Jeremiah 7:25-26; Jeremiah 11:10). The Holy Spirit inspired the message of the LORD’s true prophets (e.g., see Nehemiah 9:30-31; 2 Peter 1:21). Because of the people’s continued disobedience and harden hearts, the living LORD God became angry and brought His severe wrath to the previous generation that went into Exile (Zechariah 7:11-12; see also 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Daniel 9:11-14). The living LORD God repeatedly called the people to OBEY Him and TURN from their wicked and evil ways, but they refused to listen to Him (see Zechariah 7:13).

Thus, when the people prayed and cried out to Him, the living LORD God turned away and would NOT listen to their prayers nor accept their offerings (see Zechariah 7:13). The living LORD God refused to listen to His people’s prayers and petitions because of their continual rebellion, hardened hearts, and wickedness (Zechariah 7:13; see also Proverbs 1:24-32; Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 11:10-11, 14; Jeremiah 14:12).

Zechariah pointed out that the key to obtaining the living LORD God’s grace (favor) is REPENTANCE from evildoing, OBEDIENCE to Him and His moral covenant (which is the Ten Commandments), and goodness towards others (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:16-17, 19; see also Proverbs 1:33; Jeremiah 7:1-11). Legalistic rituals, ceremonies, and fasting would NEVER serve as a substitute for loving the LORD God and loving for one another in everyday living (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-37).

Even more, the Holy Scriptures repeatedly teaches that the living LORD God does not hear sinners who keep evil in their hearts; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, the LORD God hears our prayers and accepts our offerings (e.g., see Psalm 34:15-16; Psalm 66:18; Psalm 145:19; Proverbs 15:20; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 1:11-15; Isaiah 59:1-3; Isaiah 66:1-4; John 9:31; John 15:7; James 4:3; James 5:16-18). The living LORD God withholds His grace and blessings from those who continue in deliberate sin and rebellion against Him and His righteous ways and covenant (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 24:20; Micah 3:4). However, the living LORD God Almighty pours out His grace upon grace upon those who wholeheartedly seek Him and do His goodness (e.g., see Jeremiah 29:10-1; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Matthew 6:33).

Here is more Good News! Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the true Vine that connects EVERYONE to the living LORD God of heaven through faith in Him (e.g., see John 15:1, 5). As we continually remain faithful and connected to Jesus the Messiah, we produce fruit of righteousness – good fruit – that comes through Him for the glory and praise of His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see John 15:4-5, 16; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:6, 10). This good fruit includes love, mercy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (e.g., see John 15:4; Galatians 5:22-23). Even more, our FAITHFULNESS, UNITY, and OBEDIENCE to Jesus gives us access to the living LORD God’s abundant and unending grace (John 15:7; see also e.g., John 14:6; Romans 5:17, 21; Ephesians 2:6-7; Hebrews 4:14-16; 2 Peter 1:3). Furthermore, by our faithful connection to His Son Jesus, the true and living LORD God gives us everything we need by His Holy Spirit (divine power) to live godly and good lives and escape corruption (e.g., see 2 Peter 1:3-4).

However, our separation and unfaithfulness to Jesus the Messiah disconnects our access to Jesus’ Father, the living LORD God of heaven and His grace (e.g., see John 15:5-6). As we produce good loving fruit and remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and His teaching, our prayers are answered for His Father’s glory and honor as we pray in Jesus’ Name (John 15:4, 7-8, 10, 12, 16-17; see also Matthew 5:16; Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13; John 14:12-14; John 16:23-24). Sometimes, Jesus taught that our prayers may be delayed not because of our sinfulness but this delay is for God’s glory (e.g., see John 9:1-3; John 11:4-7). Thus, we can ALWAYS relax and have joy because our faithfulness and obedience to Jesus ALWAYS lead to His Father’s grace (e.g., see John 16:33)!

Then in chapter 8, the holy prophet Zechariah receives another message for the living LORD God of heaven, who is all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient) (see Zechariah 8:1). The living LORD God Almighty expressed His strong, jealous, and passionate love for repentant Jerusalem, also called Zion (Zechariah 8:2; see also Zechariah 1:14). Therefore, the living LORD God proclaimed to Zechariah that He was once again returning to His land Jerusalem, and He Himself promised to live within Jerusalem with His mercy and restoration (Zechariah 8:3; see also Zechariah 1:16; Zechariah 2:10-11; Zechariah 9:9). Then, repentant Jerusalem will be called the “City of Truth” and the “Holy Mountain” and the “Mountain of the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 8:3; see also Psalm 15:2; Isaiah 1:26-31).  

Next, the living LORD God promised that repentant Jerusalem will have peace and prosperity (see Zechariah 8:4-8). Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with their canes and will sit together in the city squares with joy and laughter (Zechariah 8:4; see also Psalm 128:6-8; Isaiah 65:20). Obedience to the living LORD God brings long life; however, the years of the wicked are cut short (e.g., see Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 19:23). Moreover, the living LORD God promised Jerusalem’s streets will be filled with boys and girls playing and laughing as normal everyday activities (Zechariah 8:5; see also Jeremiah 30:19-20; Jeremiah 31:12-13).

To the Jewish refugees returning from Exile, the promise of streets safe for senior citizens and playful children seemed impossible! The remnant that returned after the Exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple struggled to survive and faced from hostile neighbors. To many, Zechariah’s future promise of the LORD’s presence, prosperity, and peace seemed impossible (see Zechariah 8:6). The prophet Zechariah assured this small and struggling Jewish remnant that Jerusalem would once again become strong, stable, and secure (see Zechariah 8:6). Nothing is too hard for LORD because with the living and true LORD God all things are possible (Zechariah 8:6; see also e.g., Genesis 18:14; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27; Romans 4:21).

The living LORD God promised that He will save, bless, and restore His repentant people scattered from east and west and bring them home again to live safely in His Promised Land (Zechariah 8:7-8; see also Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 43:5; Ezekiel 37:12, 21; Zechariah 10:6, 9-10). These faithful and repentant Jews will be His people, and He will be their good and faithful God (Zechariah 8:8; see also Jeremiah 4:1-2; Zechariah 13:9). For the promises from the living LORD God will never fail (e.g., see Luke 1:37).

Some biblical scholars see the fulfillment of Zechariah 8 in the future with the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom (see Zechariah 8:1-8). However, some scholars argue the fulfillment of Zechariah 8 occurred when the Jews returned from foreign Exile (e.g., see Psalm 126:1-3). Nevertheless, other Old Testament prophets speak of a future restoration of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem (e.g., see Jeremiah 30:1-3, 8-11, 17-22; Jeremiah 31:1-6; Isaiah 65:17-25). The Apostle John predicted the kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of our LORD and of His Christ (Messiah) (see Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-5). In the future, the LORD will reign as King over the whole earth (e.g., see Zechariah 14:9).

Here is the Good News: The Lord Jesus Christ came and brought the Kingdom to earth on His first arrival, and when He comes again at His second coming His Kingdom on earth will be complete (e.g., see Matthew 4:17, 23; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43; Luke 8:1; Luke 13:28-29). The parables and miracles of Jesus give insight into BOTH the present and future nature of the Kingdom of God. The life and ministry of Jesus is the proclamation that the Kingdom of God had come now in Him to bring His Father’s salvation and reconciliation for ALL people, races, sexes, religions, creeds, and nationalities through faith in Him (e.g., see Matthew 8:11; Matthew 21:31-32; Mark 16:16; Luke 13:28; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8, 16-21, 36; Acts 16:31; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). The living LORD God sent His Son Jesus to bring together and unite His faithful people scattered around the world (e.g., see John 10:16; John 11:51-52; John 17:20-21; Ephesians 2:11-19). Furthermore, Jesus promised that the Kingdom of God will also appear as an apocalyptic act at the end of the age (e.g., see Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:3-37; Luke 21:5-36).

Then, the living and true LORD God encouraged His people once again through Zechariah as well as the prophet Haggai to be strong and finish rebuilding His Temple (Zechariah 8:9, 13; see also Ezra 5:1-2; Haggai 1:8-9, 13-15; Haggai 2:4-5). Before the work began, the living LORD God declared, there were no jobs, no wages, no joy, and no security in Jerusalem for crime was rampant, because the people neglected rebuilding His Temple (Zechariah 8:10; see also Haggai 1:2-10). However now, the living LORD God declared that He was renewing peace and prosperity amongst His people because of their repentance and faithfulness to Him and His Temple (Zechariah 8:11; see also Genesis 12:2-3; Haggai 2:19). The living LORD God promised His blessings, life, prosperity, and happiness for His people and their land as they focused on Him and His Temple FIRST (Zechariah 8:12-14; see also Amos 5:4, 6; Haggai 2:5; Matthew 6:33).

As mentioned earlier, the previous generation angered the living LORD God because of their repeated sins, disobedience, and rebellion against Him and His covenant (Zechariah 8:14; e.g., see Nehemiah 9:34-35). Thus, the living LORD God decided to judge His people according to their evil conduct and bring His wrath and scattering against that previous generation (Zechariah 7:14; Zechariah 8:14; see also Jeremiah 35:15-17; Ezekiel 24:13-14; Ezekiel 36:16-19). However, the returning Jewish exiles confessed and repented of their sins and wrongdoing; therefore, the living LORD God Almighty promised this repented generation His goodness, grace, and forgiveness (Zechariah 8:15; see also Jeremiah 31:28; Jeremiah 32:40-42; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Micah 7:18-20; 1 John 1:9). The Holy Scriptures are clear: if you do wrong, you will be paid back for all your wrongdoing because the living LORD God has NO FAVORITES (e.g., see Colossians 3:25). For the living and true LORD God rewards and judges each one for whatever good and wrong they do (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 12:14; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Ezekiel 33:17-20; Matthew 12:36-37; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 6:7-10; Ephesians 6:8; Revelation 20:12).

Next, the living LORD God commanded the people:

This is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace. Do not scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD…. So, love truth and peace.” Zechariah 8:16-17, 19, New Living Translation 2nd Edition

Once again, the prophet Zechariah gave the SAME MESSAGE the living LORD God gave to His other Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The living LORD God commanded His people to be honest, peaceful, and good by telling the TRUTH, the whole truth, when we speak and never tell lies and falsehoods (Zechariah 8:16-17; see also Exodus 20:16; Leviticus 19:11-12; Psalm 15:2; Proverbs 12:17-22; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). Moreover, the living LORD God commanded His people to do the right thing towards one another by being honest, fair (not-prejudice), and peaceful, particularly in the court system (Zechariah 8:16, 19; see also Amos 5:14-15; Zechariah 7:9). Even more, the living LORD God demanded His people not to plot and scheme to hurt or slander others and never take unfair advantage of others (Zechariah 8:17; see also Leviticus 19:13-18; Psalm 15:3, 5; Proverbs 3:28-30; Proverbs 6:16-19; Micah 2:1; Zechariah 7:9-10; Romans 12:9-21). The living LORD God declares that He punishes and hates such evildoing and wickedness (Zechariah 8:17; see also Zechariah 5:4). However, the living LORD God promised that those who seek and walk in truth and goodness and does not harm nor take unfair advantage of others will enter His Kingdom and enjoy His abundant blessings (e.g., see Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:3-6; Jeremiah 7:3-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-6; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 1:5-11; Revelation 21:6-8; Revelation 22:14-15).

Then, the living LORD God gave another message to His servant Zechariah (see Zechariah 8:18). The living LORD God promised one day He will turn their mourning and fasting into joyous celebrations, festivals, and feasts (Zechariah 8:19; see also Psalm 30:11). While in Exile, the Jewish people had fasted and mourned on the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months in memory of the siege and overthrow of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (e.g. see 2 Kings 25:7, 25; Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:4, 12). Now, the delegation from Bethel returned to Jerusalem and wanted to know from the religious leaders should they keep fasting and mourning (see Zechariah 7:2-5). Zechariah’s answer came to the Bethel delegation in Zechariah 8:19: fasting should now be replaced with feasting!

The living LORD God knew that one day people from all around the world (Gentiles) will come on pilgrimages and pour into Jerusalem from many foreign strong cities to worship Him and seek His grace (favor) and mercy (Zechariah 2:10-11; Zechariah 8:20-22; Zechariah 14:16; see also Psalm 86:9; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 2:2-3; Isaiah 44:5). In those days, the living LORD God declared that ten men from ten different nations will come and take hold of one Jew by his coat and say, “’Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you” (see Zechariah 8:23, New Century Version).

In conclusion, the message of the prophet Zechariah is the SAME message of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah (Christ), who is also the Son of the living God (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Mark 1:1; John 20:30-31). Jesus taught EVERYONE on at His initial sermon, His Sermon the Mount, His Sermon the on Plains, and throughout His public ministry to REPENT from sin and evildoing and seek truth, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, and goodness (e.g., see Zechariah 1:3-6; Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:16-19; Matthew 5:3-16; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 22:37; Matthew 23:23; Luke 5:32; Luke 6:20-13; Luke 15:7, 10; John 8:11).

Like the Old Testament prophets, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught EVERYONE to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST and His righteousness by living blameless, faithful, and good lives (Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:46-49; Luke 8:19-21; Luke 11:27-28; see also e.g., Genesis 6:9; Genesis 17:1; Job 1:1; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalm 15:1-5; 2 Peter 3:11, 14). As we seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness FIRST, the living LORD God promises to provide all our needs and desires here on earth by His unending grace (e.g., see Matthew 6:25-33; Matthew 28:16-20). Even more, the message of Zechariah and the other Old Testament prophets are the SAME message of Jesus Christ and His New Testament apostles – LOVE THE LIVING LORD GOD, OBEY HIS COMMANDS, AND DO GOOD AND NO HARM TO OTHERS (e.g., see Leviticus 19:1-18; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 8:15, 19-21; Romans 13:8-10; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; Philippians 1:9-11; Philippians 2:4, 21)!


Very similar to the previous Old Testament prophets, Zechariah was concerned about goodness, honesty, and social justice, particularly for the poor, widows, elderly, oppressed, orphans, and foreigners (e.g., Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 19:32-37; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Jeremiah 5:27-28; Jeremiah 21:12; Amos 5:24; James 1:27). Zechariah encouraged the people to obey the LORD’s covenant, especially in matters of justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, goodness (righteousness), fairness, and truthfulness (Zechariah 8:15-17; see also Leviticus 25:17; Deuteronomy 22:1; Isaiah 56:1; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8: Zephaniah 2:3). In the past, Israel and Judah failed to obey these moral covenant instructions sent by His Spirit to the holy prophets, and the living LORD God punished and scattered His evil and rebellious people (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 2:6; Zechariah 7:11-14; see also Deuteronomy 28:33; Jeremiah 22:3-5, 17; Ezekiel 5:9-12).

References
ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).
NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).
Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).
The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).


[1] Some translations state Zechariah received his message in late November of the fourth year of King Darius’s reign.  Many dates in Zechariah’s prophecy can be cross-checked with dates surviving in official Persian records.

[2] The Holy Scriptures describes three Temples. The first Temple was built and completed by King Solomon but later destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC (e.g., see 1 Kings 5:1-9:10; 2 Kings 25:8-21; Jeremiah 52:12-27). The second Temple was completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua after the Babylonian Exile (see Ezra 6:15-16). In Zechariah’s prophecy, the prophet along with the prophet Haggai encouraged the Jews to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. In the New Testament, Herod the Great expanded the second Temple and this expansion is referred to as Herod’s Temple. All three Temples were located on a prominent hill north of David’s capital city, which he conquered from the Jebusites (see 2 Samuel 5:6-7). The book of Chronicles identifies this hill with Mount Moriah, where Abraham had been willing to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1; see also Genesis 22:1-14). Thus, the Temple mount in Jerusalem is called Mount Moriah. Today, the Temple’s location is now the site of the Dome of the Rock, center of the Muslim enclosure called Haram es-Sharif (the third holiest place in Islam, after Mecca and Medina). This enclosure is basically what is left of Herod’s enlarged Temple platform, the masonry of which may best be seen in its Western Wall, the holiest place within Judaism since the Roman destruction of Herod’s Temple in AD 70. The Apostle Paul thought of the church and believers of Jesus as the new Temple indwelt with the Holy Spirit (LORD’s Presence) (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18). For the Apostle John, the ideal which the Temple represented will ultimately be realized in the “new Jerusalem” (see Revelation 21:2).

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