Return To God

Return To God

The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Return to me,” declares the LORD Almighty, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.

Zechariah 1:2–3

In this passage, we see that Zechariah’s message was primarily concerned with belief and unbelief. He pointed out that the greatest sin of the Israelites’ ancestors was not trusting in God when they were undergoing trials. Rather, they looked to other people for help. In this way, they were rebellious and idolatrous. Zechariah wanted the people of Israel to understand that the words “Return to me” should penetrate their hearts deeply.

People “return to God” when they trust in and find comfort in God at all times, especially in times of need. On the other hand, people have turned away from God when they don’t trust in God. When people don’t trust God, their good works and sacrifices won’t be able to help them. This is what happened to Israel’s ancestors.

In Zechariah’s time, when the Israelites were trying to rebuild the temple, they needed to turn to the Lord Almighty because of all the trials and troubles they were facing. They had to cling to God and depend on him even if rebuilding the temple angered the emperor of Persia or the neighboring people. God spoke. He wanted to help, could help, and would help them so that Israel’s enemies wouldn’t overpower them again.

We too need to hear these warnings in the book of Zechariah. Let everyone return to Christ, cling to him, and not fall away. Let no one become scared or be led astray. God speaks. And God will do what he says.