Repent Now
August 30, 2019
Commentary
Zechariah began his book with a short speech telling the people to repent (vv. 1-3). This means ‘to be sorry. There is an old saying that he who will not learn from history is doomed to repeat it. Zechariah starts off with a solemn warning to the people to not repeat the errors of their fathers. Their fathers had provided a bad example so Zechariah gives them a three fold lesson from the past.
A warning against disobedience (v.4) – This warning against disobedience shows how the forefathers fell into evil ways by disobeying God’s holy law. Then when God in His mercy sent prophets to warn them and urge them to turn to Him, they hardened their hearts and refused to hear (Prov. 29:1). Numbers 32:23 says, “Be sure your sins will find you out." A warning against delay (v. 5) – Zechariah calls attention to the brevity of human life. He does this by asking, “Where are your forefathers now” and “The prophets, do they live forever?” The implied answer was no, so the opportunity for repentance which they ignored is still offered and should not be ignored by you. A warning against doubt (v.6) – It is definitely clear that God is faithful and always keeps His Word. The people well knew this to be true because of the judgments that had already been sent on Israel. This included the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the seventy years in Babylon. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7)
Application
What a sad situation it is when children must be told not to follow the ways of their parents. I need to seriously consider whether my life is an example for my children and grand children to follow or something that they must be warned against.
Zechariah 1:1– 6 (NET)
1 In the eighth month of Darius’ second year, the Lord’s message came to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah son of Iddo:
2 “The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore say to the people: The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘Turn to me,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘and I will turn to you,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 4 Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets called out, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said, “Turn now from your evil wickedness.”’ But they would by no means obey me, says the Lord. 5 As for your ancestors, where are they? And did the prophets live forever? 6 But have my words and statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, not outlived your fathers? Then they paid attention and confessed, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has indeed done what he said he would do to us, because of our sinful ways.’”
Illustration: Warning A Man Who Detonates Explosives
The story is told of a man who detonates explosives for the police department’s bomb squad. Suppose he comes to my house one day sporting a distinctive T-shirt. The front reads: “Hazardous Device Technician.” When he turns around, I read the back: “If you see me running, try to keep up!” (Contributed by Jodie L. Nida Reader’s Digest, May, 1995, p. 132)