Return to Me - Zechariah 1-4 and Revelation 18
As we continue our end of the year reflection, consider the message of Zechariah to God's people after the exile while they were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. He told them that God was saying, "Return to Me, and I will return to you." God loves repentant hearts, and He responds to those who draw near to Him. The people did respond to His call, and so God said, "I am returning." What a comforting statement! God had accepted their repentance, and He was coming to them. He was coming in power to help them rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. The vision of the olive trees showed them that God would supply the power of His Spirit for all of their work. I pray that this is the picture of your life right now. You have considered your ways, and you have returned to God. Now, you can see God returning to you and restoring your life in His power. That is what God wants for all of us in 2008.
Revelation 18 is the opposite. God is going to destroy Babylon, which represents the evil world system of godless materialism. God cried out to the world and told the leaders to return, but they refused, so God destroyed them in a moment. He came to them, but not for restoration. He came for destruction. I wonder how many lives have experienced God's destructive power in 2007, because they refused to return to God? I wonder how many will experience Him in that way in 2008? Suddenly, their wealth is gone or their health is gone, because of the displeasure of God. What a sad situation! It is totally avoidable. All we have to do is return to Him. He will welcome us with open arms, and He will return to us. Please, do not be stubborn. Humble yourselves before the Lord and receive His power and blessing.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 5-8 and Revelation 19.
Revelation 18 is the opposite. God is going to destroy Babylon, which represents the evil world system of godless materialism. God cried out to the world and told the leaders to return, but they refused, so God destroyed them in a moment. He came to them, but not for restoration. He came for destruction. I wonder how many lives have experienced God's destructive power in 2007, because they refused to return to God? I wonder how many will experience Him in that way in 2008? Suddenly, their wealth is gone or their health is gone, because of the displeasure of God. What a sad situation! It is totally avoidable. All we have to do is return to Him. He will welcome us with open arms, and He will return to us. Please, do not be stubborn. Humble yourselves before the Lord and receive His power and blessing.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 5-8 and Revelation 19.