Sixteen years before Zechariah received the word of the Lord, the Jews had miraculously been allowed to return to Jerusalem (Ez 1). However, neither the temple nor the city had been restored. Both pointed to their need for spiritual restoration.

Zechariah reminded his people that the LORD had been angry with their ancestors. Though warned to turn from their evil practices by previous prophets, their ancestors ignored them. God judged them. But God also invited his people to return to him in repentance and God would return to them. The people repented (6b). God’s invitation rings true for us through Jesus. Let’s return to God in repentance through Jesus. He will surely return to us.

Three months later, Zechariah had a second vision of a man and three horses. The horses had gone throughout the earth and saw people living in peace while the Jews seemed to be under God’s wrath (12). Wrath would not continue forever. God comforted Zechariah. God promised mercy, the rebuilding of the temple (16), and future prosperity (17). God also promised justice for his people in the vision of the four craftsmen (21). God’s anger is only for a moment, but his mercy, grace, and favor last a lifetime (Ps 30:5). Praise God!
Application: Father, we turn to you in repentance; please forgive our sins in Jesus Christ. Thank you for returning to us and restoring us.
One Word: Return to God