Happy Festivals (Zechariah 8:19)

 


Thursday, October 17, 2024


Psalm 106:1-24

Zechariah 8:9-23

1 Peter 2:4-10


Observance: Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr (d. c. 115)


Happy Festivals (Zechariah 8:19)


One of the tricky things about reading the Old Testament is trying to separate out what words were for the original audience, and what words we can take as promises for ourselves today. If we had only read the prophets before the exile, with the invading army just over the horizon, then we might risk falling into pessimism. With only that picture in mind, we would be walking around with a cloud over our heads, worried of stumbling, because at any moment the Assyrians or Babylonians might come in and destroy everything as a result.


Adding in more context – as we have today, with Zechariah prophesying after the return of the exiles – the commands from God to “speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgement in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbour, and do not love to swear falsely” take on a more optimistic and encouraging tone. There are, for sure, the same warnings attached for disobedience. But we are past all the drama of the destruction of the first temple. The new day has dawned, and things can only go up from here.


And so, trying to work out what words are for the original audience and what words are for us, we can maybe take this approach: of looking at the context. Our Lord Jesus came and walked this land, the place of the new temple and the results of the rebuilding works. He was taken outside this city, hung on a cross, and left to die. But when he rose from the dead three days later, everyone who loved him could confidently know that now, once and for all, the new day has dawned – things can only go up from here.


The true temple is the body of believers, Christians the world over. Christ is the great Rebuilder, teaching us to speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgement; to not plot evil against our neighbour, and not love to swear falsely. We have the Holy Spirit turning our hearts this way so that the command has now become something we love to do.


In the light of the resurrection, our fasting (and religious observances in general) become not a time for moping and misery, but happy festivals. The Lord has done an amazing thing among us and for us; the joy of the Lord is our strength.


How does the religion in your heart express itself? Do you celebrate the happy festival of being a Christian?


Jesus our great Rebuilder: reveal to us the joy of being in love with you, so that we may go out and bring more people into this happy kingdom of yours.

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