Bible Chapter: Zechariah 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God gave Zechariah visions to encourage the people who had returned to Jerusalem to start rebuilding the Temple again.  He inspired them to continue the work until the Temple was completed and not give up as others had done.  These visions encouraged the people to see the Temple restoration as part of God’s plan to bring a spiritual restoration in the future.  The Messiah’s comings are both included in these prophecies.  As a part of their up and down spiritual history, God encouraged the people to return to Him.  They needed to give up their rebellious lives, live by God’s standards and follow his plan.  In other words, do things God’s way.  He told them to not be like their ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the prophets said to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.’

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
How does God look at those who follow Him?  In 2:8 He says:  “Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.”  Other versions use the phrase The Apple of His Eye.  God speaks of the group of God’s people who came through the exile, especially those who stayed faithful to Him.  Faithful believers today are just as important and loved as much by God.  We can rest in God’s protection and provision.  This helps take away fear about the future, about the unknown.

3.  How can I help someone?
One of the consistencies in the Bible is the message to hear what God says and then apply what God says in daily life.  The reason why God says that theme over and over is that it is what is right and best.