September 30, 2015:  SOAP #2127:

Scripture:  Zechariah 7:13. “‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,’ says the LORD Almighty. 14. ‘I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations, where they were strangers. The land was left so desolate behind them that no-one could come or go. This is how they made the pleasant land desolate.’” Zechariah 8:1. Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me…. 2  This is what the LORD Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.” 3. This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem… 4.  This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. 5. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.”

Observation:   In chapter 7 God spoke through the prophet Zechariah of scattering the Jewish nation throughout the countries of the world because they forsook Him.  And then in chapter 8, God speaks of gathering them from the nations of the world and restoring them to the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.  Looking back from today, we can see that God has done both!

Application:    Is God holy?  I just need to consider God’s dealings with the nation of Israel.  Is God loving?  I just need to consider God’s dealings with the nation of Israel.  Does God keep His word?  I just need to consider the nation of Israel.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, it is not necessary for me to learn every lesson the hard way!  Help me to learn from history and your dealings with people in the past. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!