God Expects His People to be Truthful
April 25, 2020
Commentary
These verses point out the Lord’s part in bringing truth and blessing to the people. In the past He had been determined to bring disaster on them but now He is determined to bless them. He says, “I will certainly bless you and don’t think that I will change my mind. I did what I said I would when your fathers angered me and I promised to punish them; and I won’t change these decisions of mine to bless you” (vv. 14-15). After the announcement of God’s gracious action above He shares what He expects of His people. He says, “here is your part, tell the truth, live at peace with everyone, don’t plot harm to others, don’t say that something is true when it isn’t and above all remember these are the things that I hate” (vv. 16-17).
Next the Jews are told that there will be a reversal of their position in the world. Returning to the previous question about traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in July, August, October, and January are ended. This will change to joyous festivals if you love truth and peace (vv. 18-19)! The prophet announces that a day is coming when these fasts and mourning will give way to festivals. People will pour into Jerusalem to attend these celebrations. They will say to their friends, “Let’s go to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us (vv. 20-21). Many people even from other nations will come to Jerusalem to ask the Lord for His blessing and help (v. 22). At this point it will be an honor to be a Jew, for it will be known that God is with His people (v. 23).
Application
I want to make sure that the things I do in life are anchored in the truth of God’s Word and not because of money, prestige, or what is thought to be politically correct.
Zechariah 8:14– 23 (NET)
14 “For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘As I had planned to hurt you when your fathers made me angry,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘and I was not sorry, 15 so, to the contrary, I have planned in these days to do good to Jerusalem and Judah—do not fear! 16 These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts. 17 Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath—these are all things that I hate,’ says the Lord.”
18 The message of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies came to me as follows: 19 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘The fast of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and happy, pleasant feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’ 20 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘It will someday come to pass that people—residents of many cities—will come. 21 The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, “Let’s go up at once to ask the favor of the Lord, to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Indeed, I’ll go with you.”’ 22 Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask his favor. 23 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘In those days ten people from all languages and nations will grasp hold of—indeed, grab—the robe of one Jew and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’”
Illustration: Wanted Pastor to Say His Brother Was a Saint
The story is told of two brothers who were rich but very wicked. Both lived a very wild life, using their wealth to cover up the dark side of their lives. They attended the same church and gave large sums to various church related projects. Suddenly one of the brothers died and the pastor was asked to preach his funeral. The surviving brother gave the pastor an envelope and said here is a check that will pay for the entire amount needed for the new sanctuary and I only ask one favor: Tell the people at the funeral that my brother was a saint. The pastor wanted the check but he didn’t see how he could make a statement like this. Then he had an idea, so he gave the brother his word that he would do it, deposited the check in the bank and the next day at the funeral said, “This man was an ungodly sinner, wicked to the core but compared to his brother he was a saint.” (Source unknown)