Again
and again, in Zechariah, we find the phrase, “the Word of the Lord
(Almighty) came to me” (Zechariah 6:9; Zechariah 7;1,4,8). Another
recurring phrase, with similar meaning, is “This is what the Lord
(Almighty) says” (Zechariah 6:12; Zechariah 8:3,4,6,7,9,14,20,23). The
Word of revelation – This is the basis of our faith. It’s God speaking
His Word to us. His Word is a Word of salvation (Zechariah 8:7-8). This
salvation is not only for the Jews. It is for “countries of the east and
the west” (Zechariah 8:7). It is for “men from all languages and
nations” (Zechariah 8:23). This “salvation we share” (Jude 3), a
salvation which goes from nation to nation, from generation to
generation, is to be preserved by God’s people “contending for the faith
that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). In today’s
world, many proudly dismiss the whole idea of divine revelation. The
Lord’s people must not be deceived. Over against those who oppose God
and His Word of revelation, we must speak the Word of rebuke: “The Lord
rebuke you!” (Jude 9). We have been forewarned: “In the last times there
will be scoffers, who will follow their own ungodly desires” (Jude 18).
In the face of this, we must “build ourselves up in our most holy
faith” (Jude 20), always trusting in “Him who is able to keep us from
falling” (Jude 24). How does He keep us from falling? How does He keep
us standing up for Him in the face of such opposition? – “How precious
are Your thoughts, O God!” (Psalm 139:17). We are to feed upon the Word
of God, with this constant prayer: “Search me, O God … Lead me in the
way everlasting” (Psalm 139:24).
Psalm 48:1-14 Lord, we worship You in the place of worship – “Within Your Temple, we meditate on Your unfailing love.” Help us to go out from there, and play our part in seeing that Your praise “reaches to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 48:: 9-11). How will other people know of Your love, if we don’t tell them? How will they find their way to Your House, if we don’t invite them? When we share Your Word with others, help us to remember Your promise: “My Word … will not return to Me empty, but will … achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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