Wednesday Reflection, February 9, 2022

Dominion & Power

His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and to the ends of the earth. Zachariah 9:10

Greetings friends, today’s watchword bids us to reflect on a time in history; much similar to present day.

The people, God’s chosen people, the Israelites, returned from exhile after King Cyrus of Persia granted them permission to leave. What they returned to was a place of ruin and devastation. Their homeland had been destroyed by invading armies and the city as well as the temple were demolished. Their family members and friends, their neighbors had either been kilked or taken away to other foreign lands.

Imagine for one second, how these people first felt having been granted their release, imagine their longing for their home whilst held captive, think about the journey back to their homeland and consider how they felt upon getting to their destination. I think their emotions would have been all over the place. I think there was disappointment, anguish, fear of the unknown, joy short lived and also arguable cause for many to abandon their faith.

Zachariah was literally tasked with talking some sense into the people. Knowing the Israelites, it was not easy. He prophesied to the discouraged Israelites, announcing that a change had come for God’s people. He impressed upon them the importance of not only rebuilding the temple but also rededicating their lives to the Lord.

Friends, how much ruin have we known in our time? How much devastation have you witnessed? And since through Christ, our bodies have become temples, what shall or have we done with the ruins? Has our faith wavered?

The New Testament text reminds us thus, God gave Jesus the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under earth. Phillipians 2:9-10

Brothers and sisters, the Lord our God remains in control, Zachariah’s encouragement focussed on a reversal of God’s judgement, but also called for a reversal of the people’s behavior. He foretold Jesus’ coming but reminded the people and us of God’s complete control and sovereignty.

If you today have seemingly been released from exhile and have had to return to ruins be encouraged because God is not slack concerning His promises. He who brought you out is faithful and able to restore and to keep you. Stand fast and do not waver in your faith.

Amen

Kerone Lamoth