SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” [Zechariah 8:23]
When God describes what His restored people will be like, He describes their moral quality – loving truth, justice – and the resulting harmonious society.
People will see it, and want to experience it; non-Jews will even be attracted to what they see, and want to be a part of this God-centered community.
Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you. [Zechariah 8:23]
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” [John 12:20-21]
Jesus comes declaring and demonstrating God’s restored people – the kingdom of God.
And it is attractive to many, including these Greeks, who have heard about Jesus.
We would like to see Jesus!
It seems when the real Jesus is known, people are drawn to Him.
Here again it is His moral quality that appeals – truth, justice, humility, generosity, grace, kindness, compassion.
And this moral quality infuses the community of people gathered around Him.
Or at least it ought to.
Do the people come to christians or the church today, attracted to the moral quality they sense there, attracted to the God-life present in it?
Is that what stands out in our community too?
When we are at work, or at school, or on vacation, do people sense God in us?
Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” [Zechariah 8:23]
Is this the quality that people sense in our church?
Paul describes a worship gathering where believers are speaking and hearing God’s message, and it is evident to the non-christian that God is present.
But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” [1 Corinthians 14:24-25]
This is what drives me, what I want to be true of our lives, and our worship gatherings.
That people would sense God among us, or in me, and be drawn to Him!
PRAYER:
Lord, make my life – and our church life – so centered in You, that other people are impacted by You as a result!
God with us. Emmanuel.
God had returned to be with His people once again and the ground once again yielded its fruit. The Lord saved His people and the people were a blessing. Don’t fear. Work in the presence of God.
And the rules for daily living are:
speak the truth,
be just,
love one another,
don’t lie.
And when you do this, you will be an example to the people’s around you. They too will want to be in the Lord’s presence and receive the happiness His people found. To be happy is to live for Jesus and do His will. ChristStrong will make me ArmStrong!
I am a living letter! You are a living letter! Am I living in such as way that others see Christ in me? Do they see the happiness I found and desire the same. What’s my impact in the world around me?
Lord help me live in such as way that others see that Christ is alive in me and I am alive in Him! Once again, All for Jesus!
Love Him in the mornnin’ when you see the sun arising
Love Him in the evening ’cause He’s brought you through the day
And in the in between time when you feel the pressure coming
Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay
And when you think you’ve got to worry,
‘Cause it seems the thing to do,
Remember He’s not in a hurry
He’s always got time for you.