Today we will continue our explanation of the minor prophets (i.e. shorter in length) with a look at Zechariah. The name Zechariah means God has remembered. How beautiful. At times, God can feel distant or even absent from daily life. I’m sure most of us have had times where we’ve wondered, “God, where are you? I need you.”
I find it meaningful to have a prophet in the Bible whose very name means that God has remembered.
You are not forgotten; you are remembered by God.
The theme of remembrance happened to be one of the messages Zechariah shared with the people of God. Namely, Zechariah preached that God is still present, so they should live with the recognition of God’s daily presence.
One verse that stands out to me because of its poetic language comes from chapter two.
“Be still before the Lord, all humankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
-Zechariah 2:13
Don’t you love the imagery?
God has roused himself.
Roused
— to be awakened (I have been roused from my slumber)
— to be energized (You have roused me into action)
— to be animated/excited (The dog has roused the whole neighborhood!)
Does God really have to be roused? Of course not. God is always active, awake and energized. So consider for a moment why Zechariah would use this particular term. I believe he is attempting to convey that God, long ignored by God’s people, is once again on the move in a tangible, palpable way. A way that cannot be ignored by God’s people.
What is our response to this active God?
Be still before the Lord.
When God is on the move, we follow. We do not lead.
Where is God on the move in your life?
Is there a place where you sense God’s presence? A place that was once dormant and has now roused?
Zechariah encourages us to believe that God is here, right now, in this very moment. Pause for a second and appreciate that fact. Sit in stillness, with your eyes closed, for ten seconds before the Lord.
Now open your eyes and follow God— God has roused!
This Sunday we will continue our Walking In Their Shoes series with a study of the prophet Micah. Here is a sneak preview for all of you Hamilton lovers: Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. -Micah 4:4
See you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
