Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Unified people: The promise of God's kingdom

Bible Reading:   Zechariah 8:18-23

 

Key Verse:  This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:18)

DEVOTION

The nation of Judah rebelled against God and were attacked, looted, destroyed and taken captives by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  The four fasts commemorate the four disasters that fell on Jerusalem during the siege which is recorded in Jeremiah 52.
Zechariah chapter 8 depicts the willingness of our Lord God to dwell in Jerusalem thus making it the Faithful City where once again the elderly men and women will sit together in the streets with young boys and girls playing there.  God in His mercy, on a condition, declares to save His people, bring them back from captivity to Jerusalem and remain faithful and a righteous God to them.
Prophet Zechariah boldly speaks to the returned exiles who are going through a time of uncertainty and is exalting them to rebuild the nation in unity and truth.  Zechariah encourages them of God’s promise that sorrow will be turned into joy, fasting into feasting and division into unity where many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him for a better tomorrow.
In our daily lives, as we navigate the challenges, sorrows pains and depressions this passage reinforces that we can trust on a God who is working through these calamities.  We are reminded that God is constantly at work refining and reshaping us through all seasons and situations.  We need to trust in our God’s presence, purpose, power, pursue truth and peace in our relationships with mankind that will allow God to turn our seasons of grief into seasons of celebrations.

   PRAYER

Father God, restore the peace and joy in our hearts as we wait for the day when all nations will gather together and your perfect will to reign. Until then, give us the wisdom to be faithful to walk in truth with Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.

Thought of the day

"Live your life with love, truth and peace that if someone tried to speak negatively about you, no one would believe their words."


Samji John – St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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