Title: There is always a way
Contents
Zechariah (1) There is always a way (Zechariah 1:1-3)
< Who is Zechariah? >
After returning from captivity in Babylon, the people of Israel work to rebuild the temple. Zechariah is one of the four main characters involved in the rebuilding of the temple. The four main characters are Zerubbabel the statesman, Joshua the priest, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the priest and prophet. The name Zechariah means “the Lord remembers.” He was a prophet who criticized Israel's moral corruption and emphasized the restoration of faith.
< Characteristics of Zechariah >
The five characteristics of the book of Zechariah are as follows. First, it is a book that contains many of the most prophetic visions in the Bible. Second, it is the book with the most prophecies about the Messiah and the end times. Third, it is the longest book among the Minor Prophets. Fourth, it is one of the most difficult books to interpret in the Bible. Fifth, it is one of the most important Bibles for the Israelites.
< Zechariah's central message >
Zechariah was a prophet deeply associated with the rebuilding of the temple. What is needed to rebuild the temple? It is ‘reconstruction of faith’. After all, the message related to the rebuilding of faith is the central message of the book of Zechariah. What is Zechariah's central message?
1. Restore true worship.
Worship is an expression of the emotion of God's grace. No matter how forgetful you are, never forget the grace of God. The grace of ‘Jehovah Jireh’ will be prepared when you have gratitude and emotion to the ‘God of Ebenezer’ that “God has helped you so far!” Even in a situation where there is no road, we are doing well until now because of God's countless graces. Therefore, the constant message of the prophet Zechariah is to restore true worship without missing out on God's grace, even if everything else is missed.
2. Trust in God's promises.
The reason God challenges worship and restoration of faith is because it is a blessing among blessings. Trust and commit to that promised blessing. Why aren't many people blessed? This is because there is a confession of “I will live for the Lord!” but there is no confession of “I will die for the Lord!”. The way to die is the way to live. When we live for the Lord even if we live, and die for the Lord even if we die, the door of blessing opens. The real blessing is not in earning a lot of money, gaining health, or being successful, but in the well-being of the soul. Zechariah is a book that allows us to look at such blessings on the soul with a mature perspective.
3. Have a holy hope.
Zechariah contains numerous visions, numerous Messianic prophecies, and beautiful visions of the kingdom in which the Messiah will rule. Such prophecies and visions ultimately give us a powerful message not to lose our holy hope. A bright future is promised to the saints. The Bible nowhere says that the situation is hopeless for the sincere saint. The future of sincere saints is always hopeful. Because God is in charge of his future.
When people encounter difficulties, they usually grumble, complain, throw stones, and disperse. But God says, “Be still” when it is difficult (Exodus 14:13). If it is difficult, talk as little as possible and spend more time praying. Then look to God more. Then God will be able to solve the problem. Is there any problem that the God of power cannot solve? There is always a way in God.
Hold on to God and move forward in hope. Don't dwell on failure. Even great believers have failed at one time or another. One or two failures are not the failure of your entire life. Do not worry if troubles and failures and life continue to follow you. Zechariah is a book that powerfully conveys the message that problems will follow, but God will follow them as well. Through the exposition of Zechariah, make tomorrow's hope clear and become blessed souls advancing nicely toward the promised blessing.