Zechariah chapter 1

I was reading this morning of how there is a growth in the Messianic movement in Israel. And then I come here and read this, about the Jews being called to return to God, and He will return to them, the Temple being rebuilt and the towns prospering. Yes, I know this was written at the time of the return to Israel from exile, and that the Jews were in the process of rebuilding the Temple, but I actually think this whole chapter is far broader than that.

You have:

• A call for repentance, a turning of hearts as the Lord calls each one of us, Jew, Gentile, back to Him; and
• A promise that God will return to us, He will not be absent in your life, my life.
  

It’s not just for the Jews, although they are a vital part of God's plan. You only have to look at Revelation and read of the 144,000 Jews who will be sealed - makes you wonder about the Messianic movement and the sudden growth it is experiencing…. It is a word of hope and encouragement for each one of us believers, and a warning not to be like our ancestors, our parent, grandparents and others who refused to believe in Jesus, who turned their back on God.