God appointed the prophet Zechariah to speak for Him to the Israelites. They had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile but failed to fulfill their God-given responsibilities. Both Haggai and Zechariah prodded the people to reengage in rebuilding the temple. Zechariah focused not just on resuming a physical building project but on realigning the peoples’ internal heart condition before God. His book offers a variety of messages that promise hope and God’s ultimate restoration through the promised Messiah.
- Date-stamped word from God in a fragile moment.
- Israel returned from exile but not fully returned in heart
2) “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors.”
3) “Return to me… and I will return to you.”
4a) “Do not be like your ancestors...Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.”
4b) They refused to listen
5) ancestors and prophets
6a) were overtaken by God’s word (happened to your ancestors, just as I said)
6b) The people repented eventually confessed the justice of God’s discipline.
Movement
God confronts. God invites. God warns. God restores.
Remember history
Acts 3:19-21
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, / that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you. / Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.
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