Zechariah 6, Hebrews 13

(Zechariah 6)

Can you imagine the courage and confirmation it would take for Zechariah to see such a vision and actually go tell Joshua what he thought God was telling him to share and do? I was thinking about God’s leading in our lives. As he gives us a vision, either directly, or indirectly, what has to fall into place in order for us to live it out in our lives (as well as share it with others)? I think there are a few things that must gauge our response (1) Are we certain the message is from God? (2) Can we hear his leading without bias? (3) Can we respond without bias? (4) Do we have God’s vision not only for the ‘ends’ but also the ‘means’? (5) What do we need to be aware of, personally, that might get in the way? (6) Do we have something in place to protect us from ourselves? (7) Are we proceeding ‘with’ God or ‘for’ God? We should be constantly evaluating our hearts and motives.

Towards the end of chapter 6, there is an affirmation that God will be with them. He promises generational succession as well as unity from afar. Then he closes it out with a statement, “This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God.”

God, may we be diligent in obeying your leading. Help us to move beyond our selfish desires and inabilities to rest on your strength and Spirit. Thank you that our task is to follow your ways, and your task is a Godly and divine success in seeing your will be done.

(Hebrews 13)

Okay, okay, you probably already knew it. I can’t get away from the first few verses of this chapter, “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

In the final exhortations of Hebrews, the author reminds us of what’s important. Keeping perspective on what was important to Christ and what is reflected in the heart of God’s judgment throughout the writings of the Prophets of the OT.

Here are two things these three verses remind us of:

(1) First, Love. (Yes, accountability, discipline, and sharpening, but let’s not forget truly, love, gentleness, encouragement, humility, patience, etc…) Many times we assume that the emotional is a given and just jump to the technical parts of love, especially for those of us who are task driven and goal oriented. That is a dangerous place, and in all honesty, very selfish. That has the attitude of, “I’m okay with it, so they must be as well. They’ll be better off” But don’t forget the heart of love. Read 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” When there is accountability and action, it should not leave people in the trenches, it should always be with compassion. Think about the love of a parent. As a parent, disciplining a child should kill you inside, that doesn’t mean you don’t do it, but that shows you your heart, compassion, and sometimes reveals your motivation. As a dad, when discipline brings me relief, I almost always recognize my motivation was out of duty, anger, or frustration and not love. That’s a sad moment.

(2) The second reminder is to care for strangers, prisoners, and the mistreated. This is a thread throughout scripture. And the author of Hebrews reminds us that it’s a thread throughout history and the heart of Jesus. Just look at verse 7, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”

Thank you Lord for your Word. Thank you that it confronts us, directs us, corrects us, and encourages us to be like Christ.