READ: Zech. 1:1-4: In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, ‘The LORD has been very angry with your fathers. Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not hear nor heed Me,’ says the LORD.
After Haggai, Zechariah also receives the mission to comfort, encourage, and admonish the people who have returned to the LORD. Only a small remnant obeyed God’s call to return to the land of Canaan. But a single act of obedience and faithfulness does not automatically guarantee lasting devotion. Perseverance in faith must be evident.
Even those who have returned—the reformed church—must continually repent and reform. Especially when things are going well, there is the danger of complacency and falling away (Deut. 32:15).
Zechariah is tasked with bringing God’s Word to the people once again. Two months earlier, in response to Haggai’s preaching, they resumed the work of rebuilding the temple.
His message had an immediate impact, but, as always, perseverance is required. History has shown how quickly God’s people become dissatisfied. This was already evident in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt, and it continued under the judges and kings. The people followed their own ways and did not listen to the prophets.
Zechariah must strongly remind them of this history so that they do not adopt the same attitude and stray from God again. The LORD of hosts speaks with urgency: Do not be like your fathers! Return to Me!
Does this call apply to us as well? Why?
Sing: Ps. 106:21,22