Don't be afraid of the title problem
Zechariah (27) Do not be afraid of problems (Zechariah 9:1-8)
<Four Principles of Judgment>
Zechariah 1-6 contains the message through eight visions, and chapters 7-8 have four God's words about fasting. Part 1 ends here, and Part 2 begins with a strong eschatological message from Chapter 9. God's judgment on the Gentiles is especially recorded in the text. Four principles of God's judgment can be found through the text.
1. Time of Judgment
Only God knows the timing of judgment. But before judgment there is always a warning (v. 1). The basic element of faith is the fact that “there is a judgment of God.” Think of that judgment and always be humble. I'm not talking about being perfect. No one can be perfect. God does not demand perfection. But always think of God's gaze and let God be the master of your thoughts. As such, God gives warnings before judgment, but is actually judging already. The present life itself is the realization of God's judgment. The fact that a lot of money and power does not bring happiness is evidence that God's judgment is going on right now.
2. Subject of Judgment
The main targets of God's judgment are the neighboring nations that tormented Israel (verses 2-7). As such, God's judgment relieves the members of their injustice and proceeds as compensation for their hard work. Sometimes, there are people who think of a curse when they hear a cold and connect it with God's wrath when even small things happen. Do not be dominated by such fear, but rather rejoice in judgment. Judgment Day is rather a day of joy and joy. At that time, all the tears, devotion and devotion of the saints will be rewarded. How will you be compensated? It is not known. Just as the Lord will surely return, but the time and time are not known, the Lord will surely compensate, but the method and means are not known.
3. Purpose of Judgment
The ultimate purpose of judgment is for all people to return to God (v. 7). There is a way to escape the judgment of pain and shame in life. It is a decision to draw closer to God. If the reason for the judgment is to return to God, the judgment will be exempted if we return to God first. No sin is to be taken lightly. Even the sin of whispering into a friend's ear is seen by God and made the subject of judgment. Words spoken in the closet become like the trumpet sound on the roof on Judgment Day. Even when a sinner dies, his sins do not go away, and judgment is sure to follow. In the end, the only way to live a happy life is to turn to God.
4. Result of the referee
If you return to God through judgment, God will protect you (verse 8). The final result of the referee is always ‘good’. The truth is, judging isn't fun. No parent wants to hit their children. If you scold, it's hard for those who scold you. What's more, it hurts even more when you scold a child when they don't seem to have much qualifications to rebuke. Still, parents who love their children scold them when necessary. Scolding is an expression of love and concern. It is a great blessing to have someone who can truly rebuke you. God's judgment is also an expression of love and concern, so it is a great blessing to have judgment when children go down the wrong path.
Do not be afraid of problems and prayer topics. Just draw close to God because of such a problem. Then, from that moment on, the blessed path will open. How blessed it is to be able to prevent a greater judgment by drawing closer to God through judgment. Studies show that regular church attendance significantly lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer, suicide, and car accidents. In particular, if we receive the Word every day, the possibility of disease in the soul and body is greatly reduced. Now, by getting closer to God through the Word, become a blessed spirit that sublimates judgment into a new channel of blessing.