Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Anunciation to Mary

Zechariah 2:10-13

v13 Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

            What an amazing verse to read in this season as we wrap our minds around a time of turmoil in our nation.  Right argues with left, vitriol is leveled at friends and neighbors who were once close friends and allies.  There is confusion, chaos, dissension, and uncertainty amidst a national pandemic.  But Zechariah takes us back to a time, a time when Israel too had the same feeling.  They were rife with the turmoil of just being subjugated by Babylon and all of the uncertainties of that time.  But what does the Lord offer?  He says “I am coming, and I will live among you.”  He doesn’t say shout and be angry – rather he exhorts the reader by saying – “shout and be GLAD!”  Imagine that.  Now this requires faith and an imaginative mind on the part of the reader.  Zechariah’s words were the product of messianic grandeur where his mind was taken by the Lord to times and things unseen.  But Zechariah was able to see the day that “many nations will be joined.”  He paints the picture of a reality where God will once more dwell amongst His people.  The sacred union that was violently severed by sin will once more be restored in His return through his Son, Jesus Christ.  At that time, there will be no more left or right, oppressor or savior, white or black.  The nations will be known as “my people.” 

Zechariah in vivid language pleads for Israel to do the easiest task asked of them, to do the one thing that will rouse the Lord from his “holy dwelling” to come “live among” them – all they have to do is “be still.”  This season when there is much more shouting than listening, judging than accepting, strife more than peace – we need a reminder of that glorious day when He will come again! The day the Lord will be roused from his Holy dwelling to once more “choose” us, live among us, and give us the peace that passes all understanding – and all we need to do is be still. 

PRAYER

Lord, I pray today that you may open my eyes so I can see, the wonderful things you’ve promised me.  Help me to give up the things that divide your kingdom, and give me a heart that chooses to be still, so that You may dwell amongst us, once again.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

May my soul be still, my mind cease to struggle, and my heart be restful in the presence of my Lord. 

Dr.Thomas K. John   Redeemer  MTC   NJ

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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