
Zechariah 10-14
Devotion by Carla Hardy (Michigan)
Anticipation. It’s the worst. But it’s also the best. On one hand, being hopeful and excited about an upcoming event can be agonizing. On the other, you can feel joy and peace in the waiting.
The end of the book of Zechariah paints a vibrant picture for us of the return of Jesus. It tells us what it will look like – his feet on the Mount of Olives, the mountain split into two, his light illuminating all the earth, living waters flowing. But, the book doesn’t reveal a crucial part – the when. No one knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, and if you are anything like me, this can drive you a little crazy. I’m filled with so much awe and wonder when I read these verses and meditate on what is to come. But I can’t escape wondering about the when.
However, I do not want to be anxious about it. I don’t want to focus so much on the when that I neglect two other vital pieces – the who and the why.
See, when Jesus comes back, I want to be ready for him. Every day I want to know him more, love him more deeply and live more like he did. This is how I prepare. And, I want to be sure that those I love are found the same when he comes back. That is my calling. That is the who.
And the why? Because God loved us, He sent his son to save us. In focusing on that truth I can live each day trusting God that His timing is best. I don’t need to worry about when. I just need to do my part – preparing, praying, loving and serving. Because He loves me, and I can rest easily in that, waiting for His perfect timing.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you handle anticipation?
- Who is your “who?”
- What is one way today that you can focus on the “why?”
