“Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it.” Zechariah 1:16
Dear Ones:
There is but one limit with God, and it is that which He imposes upon Himself. When God, through the prophet Jeremiah, told the people of Israel that they would be “…carried away captives,” (29:7), He put a time limit on their captivity of seventy years. Concerning the end of this period, He told them: “…after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon, I WILL VISIT YOU, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.” (v.10) Why did God give them such a promise, after declaring judgment upon their waywardness? It is because of His intent, His purpose, His determined will…to bless. He goes on to tell them, inspiring them to hope, and believe in His goodness, “…For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (v.11) This expected end was not just some ephemeral promise of blessing, but the certain visitation of God upon the people, and His consequent blessing. The hope that He gives them is a resolved promise, a certain commitment and covenant on His part, to bless the people with peace. We find that the ultimate blessing of this promise is that of communion with God, a true experience of His presence and goodness. He tells them, “…And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (29:13) The Lord’s message to the people is so in earnest, that He repeats the blessing with a great deal of finality: “‘…and I WILL be found of you,’ saith the Lord.” (v.13) In this case, the promise of His visitation will be both spiritual, and physical, as He promises to bring them back to the “land of promise.” It will be there that His “house” will again be built, for He will build it.
Why is it so very important to see, and grasp something of the intent and will of God? It is in understanding His heart, that we are not only motivated to respond in faith to Him, but to gladly follow and obey Him fully. The love of God, which was so clearly revealed in the gospels, as the all-encompassing motivating force behind God intervening in the affairs of men, has been the cause for many people to come to Christ, and to trust Him fully. In the same way, in the Old Testament, we see in His dealings with Israel, that His intent, purpose, and will, has not changed, in that He is resolved to love, bless, and care for His people. We see this so very clearly in His dealings with Israel, who time and again, ceased to walk with Him, and trust Him. The inevitable result was the descent into decadence and destruction. It is then, in different ways, at different times, but always according to His declared will through the mouths of His prophets, that He would seek to save His people. He is the just judge at all times, and merciful, so He must deal with sin. But on the other side of that coin is His message of salvation to the one who will hear and respond. God is intent, and determined, to save, to intervene, to forgive, to restore. And this He will do IF He can find those who will truly trust Him.
After Israel’s exile of seventy years, the people began to return to the land of promise, specifically to Jerusalem. The issue of faith would still be the principle by which the people must live. The Lord’s promise to each individual, and to the nation, would be: “I am returned to Jerusalem with mercy.” (1:16) His promise was not only to be known, but embraced. God brings them back to Jerusalem, again to bless them. This He does in answer to their faith and obedience. Faithful is the One who called them, who also calls us…who will do it…always.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see Thy heart, and respond in faith to what we see. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad