THE STORY OF JESUS: Zechariah 8-10
“They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.” (Zechariah 9:16)
God is not a monster, and God does not use people as pawns.
God created humans as the crown of His creation, with value and significance.
Our misery and shame are not the result of God’s choice, but our own.
God’s desire has always been for each one of us to sparkle like jewels!
These words of Zechariah speak to a people who are not sparkling.
They are crushed, burdened, shamed and living below their natural dignity.
There are many people today who still live like this – no crown, no sparkle.
God is angry at the shepherds (leaders) who caused the sheep to stumble (10:3).
He Himself will come, not as a warrior but as a humble, gentle, loving servant.
He will lift up the weary burdened and clean them up, and help them to sparkle.
This is Who Jesus is: God with us, lifting us up from our shame and misery.
This is who we are supposed to be: restored jewels helping others to sparkle.
As Jesus followers we join Jesus in looking for the weary and burdened.
Jesus is helping them (like He did us) to sparkle and shine… are we?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us as ‘christians’ for oppressing and demeaning others. Help us to see Your mercy in restoring us, and help us to help You restore others to their God-given sparkle!
This is what the Lord Almighty says is repeated many a time. Do I have the ears to hear Him speaking? Do this and live. That is what the Master says. Live and do this. Love truth and peace. Be an instrument of His peace. Shine for Jesus. Sparkle for Him.
Talk with God. Live in Him. He will answer if I but trust and obey. He will strengthen as I live in His kingdom for He is my Rock and my Security. At all times I need to serve the living God.
Lord, the Light of Your Love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus shine,
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit blaze,
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow,
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word,
Lord and let there be light.
Lord I come to Your awesome presence,
From the shadows into Your radiance.
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me. Shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kindly brightness.
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me. Shine on me.