Zechariah 1:1-6 When our attitude towards God and His works change His attitude towards us will likewise change. Three forms of attitude we show to God -hostility- Acts 5:33-42 -indifference – Acts 5:38 -commitment
Covenant obedience begins with a reflection on the reasons for past problems. “Now give careful thought to your ways encourages that reflection.
Refusing to repentant- “17I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not return to me,’ declares the LORD.” Haggai 2:17 Despite the punishments there was still indifference, coldness and apathy.
In Zechariah 1:1-6, God uses Prophet Zechariah to call the people to repentance.
“ 1In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo: 2″The LORD was very angry with your ancestors. 3Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. 4Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. 5Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? “Then they repented and said, ‘The LORD Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.” Remarks -God expressed displeasure over the unrepentant past generation – Zechariah 1:2 -examples of the destiny of the unrighteous -warnings for us -God warned them to refrain from following the unrepentant paths of their forefathers which brought judgment and to chose repentance and obedience. 1 Corinthians 10:10-12
“10And do not grumble, as some of them did-and were killed by the destroying angel. 11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
2.God promise to forgive and receive those who truly repent.- Zechariah 1:3 -The people acknowledged their sins and their adversity traceable to the justice of God in their punishment. Through confession and repentance a person or community can be purified from defilement and forgiven for disobedience.
3.Life is temporary -Zechariah 1:4-6 -we all live in time -don’t postpone your repentance or duty to worship God -The Word of God is eternal Isaiah 40:8,55:10-11, Matthew 24:35
