October 17, 2010 (Zechariah 8-14)

As I read today, again, I couldn't help but think of our church - I really believe God is waiting on us to trust Him for big things.

^8:6 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

It seems a lot of people have left Vanguard lately. And although there are still a lot of people in attendance, it seems there is 'a small and discouraged remnant' of some of the 'old timers'. But nothing is impossible for God. Financial issues in the midst of a recession are not impossible for God. What is the bigger lesson He is trying to teach us? How about this next exhortation?

⁹ “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Be strong and finish the task! Ever since the laying of the foundation of the Temple of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, you have heard what the prophets have been saying about completing the building. ¹⁰ Before the work on the Temple began, there were no jobs and no money to hire people or animals. No traveler was safe from the enemy, for there were enemies on all sides. I had turned everyone against each other.

¹¹ “But now I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ¹²For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew. Once more I will cause the remnant in Judah and Israel to inherit these blessings. ¹³ Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!

I know this was written for a different people and a different time, but He still speaks to us through His word.

And there could be no greater compliment than for people to say this about us:

And they will say, ‘Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”