August 21, 2023 - Zechariah 1-6

The Lord spoke to the returned exiles through the prophet Zechariah: “Return to Me and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts. Do not be like your ancestors; the earlier prophets proclaimed to them: ‘This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Turn from your evil ways, and your evil deeds. But they did not listen or pay attention to Me’” (1:2-4).

We don’t have to be like everyone else. Though everyone around us turn away from the Lord, we do not have to. Though everyone else faces judgment, we do not have to. Though everyone else refuses the Lord’s mercy, we can receive it. I saw an article about the actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) who, according to the article, was cancelled in Hollywood because of his Christian beliefs. He refused to go along with the sordidness of Hollywood. He stood out because he was different. Well, actually, it was not merely because he was different; rather, it was because he is a devoted follower of Christ. We must not be like everyone else. Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise,

let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands . . . my voice . . .

my silver and my gold . . .

my will . . . my heart . . .

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee,

ever, only, all for thee. -- Frances R. Havergal (1874)