Words consistent with actions

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem. The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go.’ Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing. “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew. And they will say, ‘Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:20-23 From the text, God expected the Israelites to live their lives in obedience to God. They were called upon to be God’s instruments where His blessings will be experienced by those living around them. “Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed” (Isaiah 61:9). God’s presence in the life of believers ought to be evident in their actions. God’s goodness should flow out in the life of those filled with the Holy Spirit. Their zeal because of their faith in God becomes visible that others will seek the Lord they worship. The expression of their faith shown in their contentment will result in Jerusalem becoming a place where others would want to join them in worshiping the One True God. “Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and to ask for his blessing” (Zechariah 8:20). Zechariah provided a vivid picture of ten people grasping to hold on to one believer whose faith in God was evident in their lives. There is a great opportunity that God is giving us so we could draw others to Him. God calls His children to be people of influence not because they are famous and wealthy but because God’s presence in their lives is real. God wants us to be authentic about our faith that the effect of it is evident. When we struggle to be consistent in our walk with God, let us pray and ask that He will have the authority over us and in all that we do. “...faith is dead without good works” (James 2:26).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com