Thursday 20 December 2007
- Bible Book:
- Zechariah
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts?" (v.6)
Background
Like other Old Testament prophets, Zechariah was also a priest.He was born in exile in Babylon but later returned to Judah.
In common with his fellow prophets, Zechariah is looking forwardhere to a new "golden age", in which God's promises to his peopleare fulfilled. There have been many times in history when God'speople have seen themselves as just a few, powerless individuals -a "remnant" of what has gone before.
In many of our churches today, there's the feeling thatcongregations are smaller, older, less able to be effective than intimes past. But Zechariah reminds us that even if we are a"remnant", to whom many things seem impossible, that doesn't makeGod any less powerful.
He goes on to emphasise the covenant relationship between God andhis people (v. 7-8). This is a recurrent Old Testament theme - Godwill do his bit and his people will do their bit, and all will bewell.
So being a whole, healthy community founded on God's promises isactually a realistic hope, even at times when it seems faraway.
To Ponder
To what extent do we see ourselves as a"remnant", for whom many things are impossible?
How do you understand being part of the covenantrelationship between God and his people?