The Zechariah Hope
Zechariah 4:6 Then the Lord said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of hosts’
Following the conquest of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Israelites were taken into captivity in Babylonia in 586 BC. The Babylonian Exile marked the culmination of a series of invasions and was a significant turning point in Jewish history. Many of the prominent citizens, including religious leaders, artisans, and scholars were exiled from their homeland while the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. This period of captivity lasted for about seventy years, during which the Israelites faced immense challenges, yet it also became a time of reflection, reform, and the strengthening of their faith and identity.
After decades of exile in Babylon, the Israelites were allowed to return to their homeland following the decree issued by Cyrus the Great, the king of Persia, in 538 BC. Upon the Israelites’ return from captivity to Jerusalem, the once-magnificent city (known for its towering walls and grand temples originally built by Solomon), lay in ruins; the destroyed buildings were literally scattered across the desolate streets. The Temple, a central place of worship, was a shadow of its former glory. It was during this time that the prophet Zechariah, a prophet from the Old Testament, brought a message regarding the future restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.
Interestingly enough, the name Zechariah in old Hebrew is Zicharyah in which “Yah” means God and “Zichar” means “has remembered”. His name carries a significant message of God's faithfulness and his remembrance of his promises to His people throughout history. When the nation of Israel thought that God had forgotten them, a baby was born whose name meant “God has remembered.” This same baby would grow up to be the Prophet that God sent to the Israelites in their deepest moments of despair during their exile. The birth of Zechariah served as a poignant reminder of hope and restoration; he would play a crucial role in the narrative of redemption on God’s behalf. Zechariah's arrival symbolized a new chapter for Israel, indicating that even in their darkest hours, God was still actively working to fulfill His divine purposes and bring about a future filled with promise.
While Zechariah was a significant figure in ancient Israel, known for his roles as a priest, prophet, and judge, along with his mention as one of the twelve minor prophets, his purpose exemplifies how God’s redemption unfolds through a deep connection between divine promise and human experience. God’s visions and messages were and are aimed at restoring hope to all disheartened people, illustrating that He remains actively involved in our lives as individuals and communities, even in times of despair. This parallel continues today, as God calls each of us to recognize His working in our lives, offering healing, guidance, and renewal. Just as Zechariah pointed towards future restoration through the coming Messiah, we are invited to perceive God’s ongoing invitation to redemption and transformation, encouraging us to trust in His plan amid our struggles and uncertainties.
Prayerful Thought:
“Behold your King is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation. Humble and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9
And Remember…….
“ Much like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when we face the furnace of life, it’s not about God putting out the fire for us, but who is with us in the fire!”
“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee