Read | Zechariah 1:1–6
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo: “The LORD was extremely angry with your ancestors. So tell the people, ‘This is what the LORD of Armies says: Return to me—this is the declaration of the LORD of Armies—and I will return to you, says the LORD of Armies. Do not be like your ancestors; the earlier prophets proclaimed to them: This is what the LORD of Armies says: Turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds. But they did not listen or pay attention to me—this is the LORD’s declaration. Where are your ancestors now? And do the prophets live forever? But didn’t my words and my statutes that I commanded my servants the prophets overtake your ancestors?’”
So the people repented and said, “As the LORD of Armies decided to deal with us for our ways and our deeds, so he has dealt with us.”
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What practical, immediate action do you need to take today to stop wandering and genuinely return to God’s presence?
What unhealthy family patterns, cultural habits, or generational sins are you currently acting out that need to be confessed and broken today?
Focus
Reflect on your actions this week:
Zechariah says, “Return to me.” Returning is an action, not just a feeling. What is the very next physical step you need to take to return to God’s presence? Is it apologizing to a spouse? Setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier to pray? Ending an unhealthy relationship? Write down your “Return Plan” and execute step one today.
Pray
O God, my Provider—whom I have hurt, ignored, and provoked—when I consider Your greatness and goodness, I am ashamed of my own apathy. I am embarrassed to even lift my face to You, for I have foolishly wandered astray... Do not let me hesitate to return to You; break the destructive hold that binds my heart to sinful desires, and restore me to a joyful mind that finds its rest in You. For You created me, and You could never forget me.
—Adapted from The Valley of Vision, “The Awakened Sinner”
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.