Zechariah 1:2-3
2 “The Lord was very angry with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.
The people had sinned, and God had punished them by sending Israel into captivity. But that is not the end of the story. God longed for the people to return to him. "'Return to me', says the Lord of hosts, 'and I will return to you'" (verse 3). This is God's response after we sin, to call us back to Himself, so He can restore a relationship with Him. Note too the repeated usage of "the Lord of hosts". The word "hosts" is a translation of the Hebrew word for armies; Israel had recently experienced the fear of facing an opposing army, so "the Lord of hosts" is a reminder that God has the power of the armies of heaven. Not only does God want us to return to Him, but He has the power and ability to restore our lives.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to return to You.
2 “The Lord was very angry with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.
The people had sinned, and God had punished them by sending Israel into captivity. But that is not the end of the story. God longed for the people to return to him. "'Return to me', says the Lord of hosts, 'and I will return to you'" (verse 3). This is God's response after we sin, to call us back to Himself, so He can restore a relationship with Him. Note too the repeated usage of "the Lord of hosts". The word "hosts" is a translation of the Hebrew word for armies; Israel had recently experienced the fear of facing an opposing army, so "the Lord of hosts" is a reminder that God has the power of the armies of heaven. Not only does God want us to return to Him, but He has the power and ability to restore our lives.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to return to You.