In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah wrote, “Thus says the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbor”, and in chapter eight and verse eleven of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how the LORD said, “I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days” where we read,
But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, says the LORD of hosts.
The verse reads, “But now I will not be unto the residue of this people ...” Zechariah began with the words, “but now I will not be unto the residue” or “however, notwithstanding, nonetheless and moreover at this time I, Jehovah God, shall in no way or manner exist toward the remainder, remnant and what is left” “of this people” which means “pertaining to this group of human beings, the people of Israel, according to the following”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said he would in no way or manner exist toward the remainder of the people of Israel according to the following.
The verse goes on to say, “... as in the former days, says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah continued with the words, “as in the former days” or “similar and in likeness to the first, foremost and primary time periods and seasons”, “says the LORD of hosts” which means “utters, declares and proclaims Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God who is over the spiritual army of angels and warriors”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God who rules over angel armies continued in His commitment to the people of Israel as He told them He would not exist toward them like the previous seasons or time periods.
When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Zechariah how Jehovah God promised not to exist toward the people of Israel in the same way He was in previous times. Although He caused the people to be set in distress and in opposition to one another, this would not be His way in their present time. God loves the people of Israel, and His works toward them are always designed to have them commit themselves to Him and His ways. He does the same for us. God so loves us that He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life while He puts within us an understanding that He is indeed “for” us and not “against” us like we may have believed in the past.
Next time Zechariah shares how the LORD says, “the seed shall be prosperous”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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