Zechariah-God Loves Us-A Time of Joy

By Mary Vee
Zechariah 8

From Zechariah's Journal

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My name is Zechariah. I am a prophet, which means God trusts me to give His message to His people.

Four years have passed since we have returned to the city of Jerusalem.

No the city isn't restored yet. The main problem is the outsiders who come and say things to discourage us. 

Some men from the city came, wanting me to ask the Lord a question. 

Not only did the Lord answer their question but the Almighty clearly saw that these men needed encouragement. Here is what the Lord said, "I am very committed to Jerusalem. I am burning with a desire to protect her.

"I will return to Jerusalem and dwell in Zion. The city will be called the city of Truth, ad the mountain of the Lord will be called the Holy Mountain.

Old men and women will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with a cane in hand. Boys and girls will play in the streets and everyone will be happy. 

"I will save my people from the countries of the east and west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.

"You who are here, let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built. There was a time when your enemy kept you from receiving wages. No one was safe. 

"The crops will grow and the rain will fall. I will give all these things as an inheritance to you. I know you have been bullied by other nations, so will I save you and will be a blessing.

"Do not be afraid. Be strong and finish the work. This is what you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and give fair judgment in your courts. Do not plot evil against your neighbor and don't lie. I despise all of these things.

"The fasting celebrations that you asked about will now become a time of joy. I want you to love truth and peace.

"The result will be that other people and other nations will hear how I have blessed you. They will look for you and want to go with you to the temple to worship the Almighty God of Jerusalem. So go forth. Be strong. Finish the temple and have the celebrations. This is a time of joy."

The men left, very happy.

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sources: Matthew Henry's Commentary volume 4, Hendrickson Publishers. 2000,  

1.  Where did God say He will go?
2.  What will the mountain be called?
3.  Who will God save His people from?
4.  What did God ask the people to do?
5. This will be a time of ______________