Zechariah 1: Return to the Lord
DO YOU EVER wander from God? When you do things that displease him, does he seem far away? At such times we need to realize that the Lord longs for our return. Like a jealous lover, he wants our undivided loyalty and affection. In Zechariah 1:3 the Lord tells Israel and us, "Return to me . . . and I will return to you."
Warming Up to God
When you feel distant from the Lord, what makes you want to return to his love and care?
Read Zechariah 1. »
Discovering the Word
- In verses 1-6 Zechariah asks the people to recall Israel's captivity in Babylon. What lessons do the people need to learn from their forefathers?
- If we want to return to the Lord, why must we turn from our evil ways (vv. 3-6)?
- In Zechariah's first vision (vv. 7-17) he sees a horseman who is later identified as the angel of the Lord (v. 11). Why is the angel troubled by the state of the world in contrast to the conditions in Israel (vv. 12-13)?
- What "comforting words" does the Lord give to the angel and to his people (vv. 13-17)?
- The "four horns" in verses 18-21 are four rulers or nations "that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem" (v. 19). How will the Lord use four other nations ("craftsmen") to bring justice to his people (vv. 20-21)?
Applying the Word
- Think of the ways God has disciplined you in the past. How do these experiences make you want to be faithful to him in the present?
- In what areas do you need to return to the Lord or turn from "evil ways"?
Responding in Prayer
Confess any sins that have led you away from God. Ask him to help you to return to him, and thank him for his forgiveness and love.
For Further Study
The Message of Zechariah by Barry G. Webb