Tuesday - Zechariah 1 - Haggai's Partner in Prophecy

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T the same time that Haggai was prophesying to the remnant of Jews who had returned to Jerusalem, so too was Zechariah (Ezra 5:1-2). The reconstruction of the temple resumed under their spiritual influence.

Zechariah starts with a simple and yet profound invitation from God, "Turn and I will turn to you" (Zechariah 1:3). How incredibly interesting. In all of the arguments that I have heard about the source of repentance in the heart of a man, I don't recall ever being directed to Zechariah 1. But here it is in plain sight. If I don't turn to God, then there is no hope for me. Likewise, if God doesn't turn to me, there is no hope for me.

In any case, Zechariah also commenced by reminding the people about the failures of their fathers (Zechariah 1:2). And, he implored his audience not to make the same mistakes that their ancestors had made (Zechariah 1:4-6). Zechariah simply called his people to repentance, faith, holiness, diligence and obedience. Those ingredients will make a trophy of grace every time.

Now, Zechariah's comparatively lengthy book includes a record of his spiritual visions. And, it is immediately evident that he saw far into the future in those visions. He was looking back at the 70 years of captivity that was past (Zechariah 1:12), but he was also looking forward to the grand and distant landmarks in the plan of redemption.