In those days
ten people from all languages and nations will take hold of one Jew by the hem
of his robe and say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is
with you” (Zechariah 8:23).
Now that exiles had
returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the temple, Zechariah is asked if it
is still necessary to fast during the fifth month (in which Jerusalem was
destroyed). His answer shows they still don’t understand God’s priorities,
which have not changed since before the exile.
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to
one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.
Do not plot evil against each other (7:9,10). No, God’s priorities are still the same.
Zechariah goes on to
say: Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the
nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing (8:13). So disastrous were the consequences
of their attitudes and behaviors, a popular curse would be, May you
be cursed as Judah and Israel! But
if they would just get their priorities right, the name of God’s people would
be used as a blessing: May you be blessed like Judah and Israel! [5]
People from every
nation and language would grab at their shirt sleeves and say, We
want to be like you.
How will you
administer justice and show mercy and compassion this week? Want to be blessed?
Then be a blessing.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Ask God to make you
sensitive to the needs of others this week and, more importantly, ask him to
help you be responsive.
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