September 9, 2024

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“But I will encamp at My temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I am keeping watch.” (Zechariah 9.8)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

On Friday, I asked that you read the prologue to Zechariah 9.8 (verses 2-7) with an eye to names known to us today in part or in whole. Did we recognize major antagonists from today’s Middle Eastern conflicts? Do have a sense of the urgency with which Israel is responding to the attacks of “an evil one”? Yes, in the Middle Eastern languages, not just Hebrew or Aramaic, hama/s is translated as “evil.” But what it is that we must learn from these verses which should be as filled with truth and wisdom today as it was intended for Israel and the surrounding nations and tribes in the days of Zechariah? Once again the evidence is presented to Zechariah, Joshua and to the people in the land whether they are of Jewish lineage, Jewish affiliation by the sharing of the faith or neither. There is but one central and overriding reality which holds true. Whatever happens is a work of God on behalf of His people. Whether it is discipline, retribution or blessing it is not a work of the people but a “given” of God, Yahweh Elohim.

Extend this consideration to “who are God’s people.” God is not speaking exclusively of the descendants of Abraham through Isaac. God’s promise of many peoples and nations was given to Abraham and sanctified through Isaac as the son born of Abraham and Sarai. We know of another son born to Abraham by legal practice with Hagar as a surrogate birther of Sarai. The son born of that arrangement was Ishmael. In that challenging scenario which Sarai created herself, but by which Abraham submitted to her and not to God thus showing his own lack of faith and trust, God is revealed as one who holds true to His promises. In light of those promises, however, it still hinges on the decisions made by the people themselves. God will bless those who bless Him, those to whom He has given His name and those whom He chooses to bless for His purposes. The contrary is true as well. God will without blessing from those who refuse to bless Him and His people. This monicker “His people” is inclusive. There is no one and nothing that God does not love. Yet, we must be alert to the full breadth of God’s love as it includes discipline, judgment and the execution of justice. In other words, God’s love is not a “get out of jail free to do whatever you want to do.” There is no “without consequences” love of God. So, it those are at odds with God suddenly believe then they will most certainly receive the full measure of God’s love, compassion, mercy and grace. We saw that on Friday when God promises to gather the remnant of those who are not of Israel and adopt them as a new tribe into Israel.

But what of the others? What of those like Hadrach and Hamas/h or Hamat/h? What of those who intents and purposes are for evil and not good? First, we already have the teaching of Joseph to his brothers on the day of his revelation to them when he said “What others intend for evil, God can repurpose for good.” Without validating the evil intents of the enemy, God is far beyond capable utilizing those elements into the shaping of a stronger, more capable, favorable and more competent people who recognize His glory alone has made it so. Second, we ought to stand in conviction of God’s own teaching “Vengeance is mine!” Yes, we know there are times when God ordered Israel to attack an enemy and devastate them totally. Rarely did it happen on both accounts. The consequences of both are evident. Such thinking revealed itself in James and John who begged Jesus for “hellfire and brimstone” to cascade from Heaven upon the Gentiles who refused to offer hospitality to the Jesus’ band. What is important to note here is that God and Jesus could have done it. They could have eliminated their enemies and those who stood against them as God did with Sodom and Gomorrah. It is a troubling reality for many for then would see God as evil Himself for “killing, murdering, executing.” We even hear those who see in Jesus the opposite of His Heavenly Father. Beware! Jesus had the authority and right to call down angel armies to obliterate Roman and those who had defiled the Temple. He did not! Jesus asked for the disciples to arm themselves in a time of trouble and swords appeared. One was in the hand of Simon the Zealot. The other was in the hand of Peter the Brash. Jesus said it was enough. I have a feeling that there were others who brandished a sword as well or at least a good fish-carving knife. Yet, when the Temple Guard came to arrest Jesus and Peter alone drew his sword, Jesus admonished him and healed the wounded servant, Malchus. Restraint! Just because we CAN do a thing doesn’t mean we SHOULD do a thing.

I circle back again to our modern day Middle Eastern scenario. By whose authority are these actions taken. We know those who decide for themselves and take matters into their own hands end up doing what is wrong and evil in the sight of most people and especially of God. Does that include Israel herself? Is God acting on behalf of His people Israel or are the people in leadership acting apart from the will of God? This is a discussion which ought to challenge our theology and our faithfulness to God. Are we trusting in our own understanding or submitting to the will of God? Do we dare speak for God either by not inquiring of Him or by ignoring His wise counsel? Do we act in a same and similar manner? What is the witness that is being presented to the world of faith in God and the separation of “church and state”? Further, I would challenge those who are crying for peace, truce and any means of resolving this and other conflicts. What is this peace you are alluding to and what purpose does it serve? What are you willing to commit to the battle for peace and truth in this world? What is its true scope within the span of history from this day forward? Do we beg for a peace that serves our will only? Do we lower the expectation of what authentic peace means and accomplishes to something less than everlasting? These are the questions which we must concern ourselves with. The verses following Zechariah 9.8 provide answers to them. Let’s consider them starting tomorrow. Shalom, y’all.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, before we were conceived in the womb, You had already formed us in Your love and by Your Spirit brought us into being. Each one of us is blessed with the opportunity of doing right, being good and producing the fruit of the Spirit in order that others be fed the truth of that same love so that the two will become one. It is our soul’s sincere desire to embrace the oneness You have in mind so we would know we are Your people and You are our God. Lead us in that discovery of the truth and the manifestation of that love for us all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.