Friday, April 22, 2016

The Lord's Encouragement to us! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Zechariah 8:7-8,

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 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.'"

The Lord expressed these word through Zechariah as he told them of his coming blessings - his restoration of Jerusalem. These are words of encouragement, designed to strengthen the returnees who have survived the judgment of sinful Israel. The Lord of mercy and grace told them of coming wonderful days when he will bring his people from all countries and that they would be his people. As his own people, they will experience his faithfulness and righteousness.

Implied in this is the great joy they have to look forward to, a hope they can cling to, be energized by and encouraged with. This wonderful outlook of future blessing for this remnant of Jews, without a doubt, foreshadows the great blessings of all mankind, for those who embrace Jesus Christ in faith. Following the end of this age, the Lord will gather to himself those who are his, those who have placed their faith and trust in him.

We are encouraged with similar words, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4.

We also read, "To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children." Revelation 21:6-7. Just what is it that brings this "victory"? John tell us, "Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5.

Also in Revelation 22:1-5, "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."

As the Lord provided the remnant of Jews in Zechariah's day with wonderful words of encouragement, so, likewise he has provided us all with words of a similar nature, yet even more grand! Even more exciting! Even more lavish! Even more wonderful! Even more magnificent! 

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

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