Zachariah 8:18-23
Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’- Zachariah 8:23
Click to readV
The months of fasting mentioned in this passage are all connected to days of mourning in Jewish history: the fourth month commemorates the day when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon breached the walls of Jerusalem; the fifth month marks the destruction of the Temple by fire; the seventh month remembers the assassination of Gedaliah, the first governor of Judah appointed by the Babylonian king; and the tenth month recalls the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem.
According to the Talmud, Jewish tradition places the death of Governor Gedaliah alongside the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the siege of the Holy City, treating it with the same gravity because “the death of a righteous man is like the destruction of the Temple.” The people of Israel fasted to commemorate these days of calamity. Yet God sent the prophet Zechariah to comfort and strengthen the returning exiles and to encourage them in the rebuilding of the Temple by proclaiming His salvation. The Lord God would intervene in their history and transform those days of disaster, weeping, and shame into seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts (v. 19).
Throughout this week’s devotions, we have repeatedly emphasised the importance of festivals. Each feast has its own specific meaning. As a nation, a festival marks a historic moment and a shared memory of the people. For individuals, it is an important point in life, recording our growth and experiences. Festivals are emotional bonds that give rhythm to life. Psychologists have found that regular holiday rituals can increase a family’s sense of happiness and bring delight to body, mind, and spirit because we find identity and meaning in these celebrations.
v The Jewish people remembered their days of humiliation through fasting. While the painful past should not be forgotten, what is even more important is to learn from failure. The prophet reminded the people not to remember those days of national collapse merely through the outward act of fasting, but instead to “love truth and peace” (v.19). They were to keep living under God’s blessing and be witnesses of His grace.
The prophet declared the Lord’s plan for His people: in the future, when God’s salvation arrives, they would become a priestly nation that draws all peoples and nations to God. At that time, the promise made to Abraham—“all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3)—would be completely fulfilled.
Jesus Christ is the descendant of Abraham and the Saviour whom God has given to all humanity. God’s plan for His Kingdom will be fully realised through the redemption brought by Jesus Christ. Today, as we observe the various festivals of the church, we no longer do so like those without hope. Instead, we live with hope, bearing witness to the truth and peace we love, so that all peoples and nations may come to know the Creator through our testimony, receive His salvation, and turn back to Him. This is the true purpose behind God establishing festivals and sanctifying time!
Reflection:
What new understanding do I have about weekly Sunday worship and the annual church festivals? How can I let these become days of joyful remembrance of God’s salvation? How can they be precious opportunities to invite others to know God?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for establishing signs of Your presence with us in both time and space. Please renew my life so that I may live each day as a beautiful witness, letting others see Your work in my life and be moved to give glory to You. In Your name I pray, Amen!
Click to readV
The months of fasting mentioned in this passage are all connected to days of mourning in Jewish history: the fourth month commemorates the day when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon breached the walls of Jerusalem; the fifth month marks the destruction of the Temple by fire; the seventh month remembers the assassination of Gedaliah, the first governor of Judah appointed by the Babylonian king; and the tenth month recalls the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem.
According to the Talmud, Jewish tradition places the death of Governor Gedaliah alongside the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the siege of the Holy City, treating it with the same gravity because “the death of a righteous man is like the destruction of the Temple.” The people of Israel fasted to commemorate these days of calamity. Yet God sent the prophet Zechariah to comfort and strengthen the returning exiles and to encourage them in the rebuilding of the Temple by proclaiming His salvation. The Lord God would intervene in their history and transform those days of disaster, weeping, and shame into seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts (v. 19).
Throughout this week’s devotions, we have repeatedly emphasised the importance of festivals. Each feast has its own specific meaning. As a nation, a festival marks a historic moment and a shared memory of the people. For individuals, it is an important point in life, recording our growth and experiences. Festivals are emotional bonds that give rhythm to life. Psychologists have found that regular holiday rituals can increase a family’s sense of happiness and bring delight to body, mind, and spirit because we find identity and meaning in these celebrations.
v The Jewish people remembered their days of humiliation through fasting. While the painful past should not be forgotten, what is even more important is to learn from failure. The prophet reminded the people not to remember those days of national collapse merely through the outward act of fasting, but instead to “love truth and peace” (v.19). They were to keep living under God’s blessing and be witnesses of His grace.
The prophet declared the Lord’s plan for His people: in the future, when God’s salvation arrives, they would become a priestly nation that draws all peoples and nations to God. At that time, the promise made to Abraham—“all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:3)—would be completely fulfilled.
Jesus Christ is the descendant of Abraham and the Saviour whom God has given to all humanity. God’s plan for His Kingdom will be fully realised through the redemption brought by Jesus Christ. Today, as we observe the various festivals of the church, we no longer do so like those without hope. Instead, we live with hope, bearing witness to the truth and peace we love, so that all peoples and nations may come to know the Creator through our testimony, receive His salvation, and turn back to Him. This is the true purpose behind God establishing festivals and sanctifying time!
Reflection:
What new understanding do I have about weekly Sunday worship and the annual church festivals? How can I let these become days of joyful remembrance of God’s salvation? How can they be precious opportunities to invite others to know God?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for establishing signs of Your presence with us in both time and space. Please renew my life so that I may live each day as a beautiful witness, letting others see Your work in my life and be moved to give glory to You. In Your name I pray, Amen!