Encountering Opposition and more

Fasting and Feasting 

Zechariah 8:19. This is what the Lord Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah.  Therefore, love truth and peace."

• Serving God involves more than going through the motions and adhering to a religious system.
• God calls people out of empty religion into a vibrant relationship with Him.

The Promise of a Coming King

Zechariah 9:16. The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock.  They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.

• History, today's headlines, and tomorrow's hope rest on the same immovable foundation - God Himself.
• Jesus Christ, the rejected Shepherd, will reign and rule eternally as conquering King.

The Promise of the Coming Victory

Zechariah 14:9  The Lord will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

• God set the world in motion and will settle things in His way and time.
• Jesus Christ will eradicate evil and reign as King forever.

Call to the Wall

Nehemiah 2:17. Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.  Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.

• The world's permeating darkness and perpetual brokenness leave us in an unending pursuit of damage control.
• God rebuilds and transforms His people, unifying them in prayerful obedience.

Encountering the Opposition

Nehemiah 4:6  So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

• Any good and significant work encounters challenges.
• Enduring work for the Lord requires our prayerful planning and His protection.

BSF Notes Exile and Return Lessons 20-24