Introduction and Big-picture Overview
Zechariah 1:17 — again is repeated four times.
Context: where are we in the book of Zechariah? The first of the eight night visions (Zech 1:7-6:15). The eight night visions (Zech 1:7-6:15) constitute the second main section in Zechariah.
How do we interpret the visions? Not all details of each vision are explained. We should focus on the big picture of each vision. The visions unpack what it means to return to the Lord (Zech 1:3).
What’s the first vision about? God is sending out His angelic spies on horseback, who reported the world was “at rest” (v. 11). There was some “rest” because of the peace brought about by Persia, and the exiles were back in Jerusalem, but they had not fully experienced God’s shalom (His true peace). They were still lamenting and wondering if God had forgotten to be merciful to them (v. 12)!
But the God of the Again answers the lament by showing us two aspects of His character:
A. RIGHTEOUS JEALOUSY (vv. 13-15)
1. God is exceedingly jealous for us.
2. We intuitively think jealousy is bad — in some instances it really is.
3. But sometimes there’s a good side to jealousy, e.g. husband and wife feeling jealous for each other, because they belong to each other.
4. God’s jealousy for us is righteous because we belong to God — He made us and saved us.
B. RELENTLESS MERCY (vv. 16-17)
1. The Hebrew word for “having mercy” (raham) is linked to the word for “womb” (rehem) — it’s a maternal metaphor.
2. That mercy is what leads parents to keep loving through the pain even when children break our hearts.
3. Our God’s mercy is relentless — He not only loves with feelings and words, but is passionately determined to do us good. That’s what He promised the returned exiles.
Conclusion
God of the Again, help me to love you again!
Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Week’s Topic: Zechariah 2:1-13
Next Week’s Speaker(s): Ps Ann Chan (BPJ), Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai (WDL) & Rev Tan Kay Kiong (East)
