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‘We have heard that God is with you’: Zechariah 8.1–23 (Day 355)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Zechariah 8

This chapter is a lovely picture of blessing. The deserted city will be repopulated. Verse 4 speaks of old men sitting in the city squares, and children playing. This is more significant than we might think: these old men have someone to care for them, so they have the time and resources to 'retire' and don't have to work until they die. The children, too, have time to play; they are not forced to work from their earliest years, as they are in many parts of the world today. Instead of being an emblem of desolation, Jerusalem becomes a model of prosperity that draws others to share in its wealth (verse 23). 

But at the heart of this picture of success is a moral vision. Jerusalem isn't just to be a rich city; it's to be a truthful one, where justice is done and violence is banned (verses 15–17).

Sometimes we might get the impression from our political leaders that profit and prosperity are everything. Zechariah warns against making money the standard against which everything is judged.

On a personal level, too, his words are challenging. We might do very well in life materially, but if we are untruthful and destructive in our behaviour, we've failed at the things that matter and God will judge us.

The last verse of the chapter is wonderfully challenging to believers today. Can we dare to imagine people coming to us and saying, 'We want to share in your destiny, because we have heard that God is with you'?

Pray

Pray

God, help me to put you first in all that I do. Let me seek your kingdom and your righteousness first of all.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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