Title: God's Interest/Zech 2:6-13
Content Main text: Zechariah 2:6-13
Subject: God's concern
Introduction
1. God had compassion on the people of Israel who were scattered as captivity. That is why the Prophet said about God's love, "The LORD has torn it, but he binds it up again."
2. We are all prisoners of Satan. In the past, we were enslaved to Satan and suffered from inhuman lives.
3. But now we are children of God. To be a child of God is an important fact of being brought into the interest of God.
4. Where will God's attention be directed?
I. God's interest is with those he loves (6-7).
A. He protects it like a pupil.
1. Israel, who were captives in Babylon, always suffered from suffering. Prisoners are always miserable. The Americans captured by the Viet Cong were like that, and the Kuwaiti people were like that in the last Gulf War.
2. But the word of God came. When the word of God came, Lazarus, who had died, arose. The word of God raised the 38-year-old sick man and became the miracle ingredient for feeding tens of thousands of people.
3. It was a command to “escape from Babylon, the land of the north evening.” God's commands are always powerful. God's command is the very essence of hope. The source of hope is not ambition, but the Word of God.
4. Even though Israel was taken captive for their sins, God did not forsake them. He was always with them.
5. The place they were going to escape was decided. It's not all about escaping unconditionally. It is important where you escape and where you go. God commands, “Come to Zion.” Rather, he calls us with a merciful voice.
B. Let's look to the Lord.
1. The Lord is always interested in us. Therefore, we must turn the channel of our attention to the Lord.
2. The Lord always instructs us through His Word. Your ears must be open to hear. The young Samuel heard the voice of the Lord, but the old Eli did not. In this age, we must be able to hear the voice that God gives to His children.
3. Hear the Word, but listen immediately. First, you need to prepare the right ears. A right ear is given when I repent of all my sins.
II. God is looking for those who will be punished (8-9).
A. He is looking for oppressors.
1. Babylon tormented God's people to their heart's content. And they ridiculed them, and even God ridiculed them.
2. Historically, there have been scholars who ridiculed God in every age. Nietzsche exclaimed that God is dead, but his candid confession is hidden in his declaration. He strongly tried to deny the existence of God, but he could not hide it.
3. The power of oppressing God's people in any age does not cease. But the truth is that they are subject to terrible discipline.
4. Those who harass the saints are those who pierce their own eyes. They tried to pierce the eyes of God, but God does not turn away from it.
5. Those whom they enslaved will plunder them. History has always protected justice.
B. Vengeance is avenged by God.
1. Christians must forgive and love their enemies. Because God Himself repays you.
2. Forgiving and loving our enemies is like burning coals on their heads. But if, on the other hand, we get caught up in our emotions, we end up putting out all the charcoal on his head.
3. If the enemy is hungry, give him something to drink, and if he is in need, give him alms. We must practice the love of Christ by confession. This is the key to achieving God's justice.
III. God's interest is with promises (10-13).
A. Together.
1. Immanuel's promise was fulfilled with the advent of Jesus Christ. The Lord is still with us today.
2. All those who lived in captivity returned to their homeland. It was the fulfillment of the promise.
3. God's promises must be fulfilled. God walks with the saints through Jesus Christ and takes care of him.
4. As promised, the Lord will return to this earth when the time is right. We need faith to wait for the Lord to return.
B. It belongs to God.
1. Those possessed by Satan must be controlled by Satan. No matter how much he wants to do good, he cannot do good. Because Satan had control over him.
2. God did not leave us alone, but He took us as His children. We have been chosen to be the spiritual Jerusalem.
3. God's promises do not change. God gives grace to those who believe in that promise and profess their faith.
conclusion
1. God is always interested in the elect. Even if Satan possesses him for a while, God does not give up on him.
2. Enemies always prevail in this land. But God never condones their atrocities. Vengeance is entirely the sovereignty of God.
3. God is with us by promise. God fulfills His promises to those who keep the unchanging faith. Let's keep our faith with patience and participate in the inheritance of God's promise.