Light In The Evening (Zechariah 14:7)

 


Monday, November 25, 2024


Psalms 62; 63

Zechariah 14:1-11

Revelation 11:1-14


Observances: Ember Day, James Noble, pioneer Aboriginal deacon (d. 1941)


Light In The Evening (Zechariah 14:7)


Here we are, in the final week of our journey through The Sword And The Trowel. We have returned from exile and restored to the land. The temple and the city walls are rebuilt. God’s Law has been set as the standard for the law of living. Yet for all this good work, the promise of the prophets – that the great king is coming and his people will be set above the God-haters and scoffers – has not yet come to pass.


As we conclude Zechariah and look through Malachi in this final week before Advent, the melody line will be like this. To our eyes, everything that can be done has been done. So why has Christ not yet returned in glory? Where is the great revival?


In today’s section of Zechariah we get a good picture of how God works with his creation in this regard. His triumph is layered; there is a triumph over God’s enemies, as well as the triumph of God’s rescue of his people. It would seem that God’s people get to witness both of these things; the triumph over God’s enemies is both a warning to those enemies, as well as a heads up for God’s people so that we know what is happening when we see it. Jesus does the same thing when he speaks of the Day of the Lord: he warns people to repent, as well as teaching his disciples not to worry when they see distressing things happen on the earth.


This second layer of the prophecy seems to be more relevant to the reader; there is more time spent on what God will do for his people than to his enemies. The promise of the king over the whole earth, who is the Lord, is the triumphant conclusion to all this prophecy. And so that is where we should look with the eyes of our heart. When evening comes, do not be troubled – there will be light.


What problems do you see troubling our churches, neighbourhoods, and nation? How often do you find yourself stopping at the problems, instead of looking past to the light shining out of the evening?


O Lord our King, who stands over the whole earth: name us as your people, so that we may escape trial and be led into your glory. Settle our hearts and keep us in your peace.

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