RUSSELL SANDERS
2-22-2021
ZECHARIAH THE PROPHET – LESSON 2
NATIONAL DISOBEDIENCE
The very name of the prophet Zechariah means “The LORD Remembers.” (Jehovah/Yahweh Remembers.) The LORD reminds Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) that He has forgotten neither the past sins and judgments nor His covenant promises for their future good.
The night visions given to the prophet (Chapters 1-8) speak both to the Jews of that day (520 B.C.) and to future prophecies to be fulfilled. The messages can also apply to us today. Let us be open to how this can speak to us.
Zechariah 1:2-6 opens with verse 2 saying, “The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.” The previous generations (fathers) had been idolatrous which caused the judgment of being taken as slaves into Babylon and Jerusalem being destroyed.
During exile they learned their lesson. When Persia defeated Babylon about 536 B.C., Medo-Persian King Cyrus set the Jews free and commissioned the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. Verse 6 says, “…and they returned and said, ‘Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath He dealt with us.’” The Lord had dealt in judgment. Now He will deal with them in favor.
Think of how your nation has been dealing with God’s ways. In America we have murdered over 62 million innocent babies through abortion since 1973. We have had laws and court rulings that give favor and preferred status to gays, lesbians, and transgenders. High political figures have secretly amassed great profits from child trafficking and the sex-slave trade. Witchcraft is at an all-time high. God “remembers” that. If His chosen people, Israel, could not escape judgment, why should we think our nation (and all nations) of today will escape judgment?
Israel turned to God during their Babylonian exile judgment. We can see that through such Jews of influence as Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, Obednego, Esther, and Mordecai. God honors repentance. He “remembers” a people who turn their hearts back toward Him.
There is hope for our nation, but only if we repent and turn our hearts back to Him. We must repent:
[1] individually for not having taken a stand or action (pro-active)
[2] As a church (for complacency in the face of evil)
[3] on behalf of our nation and its leaders
Repentance with Godly sorrow can and will touch the heart of God. Is it possible for our nation to repent and turn to God? Maybe, or maybe not.
The deep intercession of the remnant is more important in this day and hour than ever before. The fate of our nation depends on us. We must earnestly repent, and pray, pray, pray! Then we must take whatever action that Holy Spirit puts in our mind and heart to do. Faith in action brings results.
