This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. Zechariah 8:14-15
“In chapter 8 the prophet proceeds to reveal the glorious fact that in the future Israel’s fasts shall change into feasts, and the people shall enjoy the good things promised to them by the Lord, but they must give earnest heed to the Word of God spoken to the prophets. The nation’s restoration to full kingdom blessing is assured by God’s redemptive purposes, but there must be the spiritual renovation of the nation to enter into and enjoy the divinely predetermined favors.”
Merrill F. Unger in Zechariah: Prophet of Messiah’s Glory (UBC; Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2014) 133.
When we think of giving, we often think about sharing something with someone else.
Today the giving Unger urges us to give comes into view as giving earnest heed to the Word of God spoken to the prophets.
Repeatedly, the text proclaims, “This is what the Lord Almighty says.” Sometimes what comes next is a prophecy and other times, a command.
We need to do what God proclaims so that our fasting turns to feasting and so that we experience kingdom blessing.
God promised to do his part and do good again to His people, Israel, and He promises similar blessing to us when we do what He says.
“Give earnest heed to the Word of God spoken to the prophets.”