Made to be a Blessing
Zechariah 8:1–17
📖 Scripture
1 The word of the Lord Almighty came to me.
2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”
3 This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
4 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age.
5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”
6 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?” declares the Lord Almighty.
7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west.
8 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.”
9 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the Lord Almighty.
10 Before that time there were no wages for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor.
11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the Lord Almighty.
12 “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.
13 Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
14 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty,
15 “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.
16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;
17 do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.
💡 Scripture Summary
The Lord declares that He is jealous for Zion and will return to dwell in Jerusalem. The city will be called the Faithful City. Old men and women will sit in the streets, and children will play safely. The Lord promises to save His people and bless them as they live truthfully and justly.
📜 Memory Verse
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”
– Zechariah 9:9a
🔎 Reflection
Journeying Home (8:1–8)
The Jewish people returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon before Zechariah’s ministry. Now God promises that His presence will once again be with them. He also promises that His people scattered across the nations will be gathered again to live in the promised land. In the New Testament, the promised land is sometimes used as a metaphor for heaven. As believers, we can look forward to one day returning to the home we were created for. We should not get comfortable here because this is not our home. For now, we are in exile, pilgrims putting up tents in a foreign land. But because God always keeps His promises to His people, He will lead us where we will fully enjoy His presence forever.
Imagine what it would be like to return to your home after seventy years. How might your life decisions be different if you shifted your perspective to view heaven as your permanent home?
Becoming a Blessing (8:9–17)
Zechariah continues to deliver the Lord’s message to the people. He tells them that, although in the past they fought with their enemies, now God will make them a blessing to those around them. But they have some instructions to follow: they must be truthful, avoid planning evil, and honor their commitments (vv. 16–17). Then God will make them into a nation that blesses. Similarly, Jesus unites people from all nations, empowering them through the Holy Spirit to bless others. As Christians, we are called to pray for our enemies and seek the good of others even when they don’t seek the same for us. Only Jesus can truly change the heart of a person so that they can care for others in such a counter-cultural way.
Think about how it feels when someone blesses you in an unexpected way. Ask God to use you to be a blessing in the lives of those around you.
💬 Today’s Inspiration
“In God’s providence, as believers, we will have many opportunities to love, do good, bless, and pray for those who hate us. And as God enlarges our hearts by his Spirit, . . . we will not fail to do so.”
– Rosaria Butterfield
🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word reminds me that heaven is my true eternal home. Help me to remember this truth when life becomes challenging. While I live on this earth, make me a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
🖋 Essay
Not Frenemies
Frenemies is a term in pop culture that refers to an enemy disguised as a friend. A frenemy may smile to your face, but then gossip about you behind your back. They act like a friend, but in reality, their fake friendship has a selfish or nefarious purpose. I hope you do not have any frenemies in your life. More importantly, I hope you are not a frenemy to anyone in your life. My grandfather, who recently passed away, was a missionary admired and respected by many for his authenticity. Unlike the duplicity of a frenemy, he treated people with authentic concern and genuine care.
When God speaks through Zechariah, telling His people that they shall become a blessing to others, He explains what that means. He says that they are to speak truth, to judge fairly, to be honest in their commitments, and to look out for each other’s best interests (Zech. 8:16–17). In other words, they are to be the opposite of frenemies. Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that we should be truthful with others (Matt. 5:37), and that we should be willing to give up our coat or walk an extra mile with others. In other words, we are to be radical in our commitment to be a blessing to others. God wants us to be authentically loving, beyond what the world expects. Surprise others with the love of Jesus in authentically unexpected ways.
Written by Kris Anderson