Maltbie Babcock penned the words in 1901 …
“This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.”
Sometimes it’s hard to keep that straight in an election year. And yet, I’m here to tell you that God is doing something marvelous in His world!
It’s still His world. Come what may, it’s still our Father’s world. And Jesus is still the King!
In my daily devotions, I happen to have arrived at Zechariah 8. Whenever I see promises in God’s Word about the coming prosperity and peace of God’s people, I’m reminded that God’s story is true – whether or not I see evidence of it in the news. And I’m reminded that the Bible tells one beautiful story, no matter what part we’re reading. Today I recognized that “the blood of the covenant” in Zechariah 9:11 refers to God’s covenant with Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:8), but also that our Lord Jesus used the same phrase as He – at the Last Supper – pictured His own fulfillment of God’s promises as our Passover Lamb (Matthew 26:28). So the prophet Zechariah points us back, and points us forward, at the same time – in the same verse. God’s Word is truly remarkable.
And Christ is the center of the Scriptures. He’s the hero of the story. Every page of the story whispers His name. When He came to bring us “good news,” He came not only to do the things that had been promised, but to be the One who had been promised: the Messiah. The New Testament speaks loudly of what this means for us: “All the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
In Zechariah’s day, things weren’t looking so good. Having brought much trouble and chaos upon themselves by their unfaithfulness to God, the people had learned the hard way that they weren’t the envy of the world. Foreign powers had overtaken and controlled them, and the people were dogged by relentless discouragement. But Zechariah’s central message is that God plans to restore Israel. Though He has used their exile for their good and His glory, God has unstoppable plans to make them whole again. They are, after all, His people.
We who follow Christ must pay careful attention to the goodness of God. Though the Bible promises an undoubtable shaking of everything – literally, everything (Hebrews 12:25-29) – the Bible also reminds us that God’s passion for His people is unyielding. “Our God is a consuming fire.” That truth cuts both ways. It ought to drive us to fear Christ. But it also ought to drive us to worship Christ with all that we are.
How gorgeous are these ancient promises spoken by God through Zechariah! The faithful Sovereign who loves with nothing less than perfect steadfast love will reign among the people who are faithful to Him. And God will establish in the midst of His people a peace that is everlasting. “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness” (8:1-8).
God’s people don’t deserve any of this grace, but the character of their King demands it. May the next verse nudge all of us: “Let your hands be strong!” I understand that you and I are not rebuilding a literal temple with our hands, but I believe that this word speaks also of our need to surrender to the authority of the King. He has not abandoned His rule. He has not forsaken us. He has not wound us up like a clock and left us to tick away on our own. In this tumultuous season in which we find ourselves, we have been called to reflect the King’s character. Love, joy, peace …
There is so much practical encouragement in Zechariah 8. “Speak the truth to one another.” “Render judgments that are true and make for peace.” “Do not devise evil in your hearts.” Love no false word.” We have our work cut out for us, friends, and our loyalty to Jesus will require our sanctified sweat. And our work ethic must display a goodness that far exceeds political expediency.
Yes, things are shaking. But God is faithful, and never anything less. As we display the character of the true King – in the midst of the shaking – we expand the gracious reach of His kingdom. We’re the visible embodiment of the King – let that sink in – and how we love matters right now (Matthew 5:1-16, 43-48; Romans 12:9-21). Are we willing to be poor in spirit, but rich toward God – like bona fide citizens of heaven? Are we willing to be insulted for the honor of our King? Are we willing to take care of our fellow saints? Are we willing to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep? Are we willing to repay no one evil for evil? Are we willing to feed our enemy, and to give him something to drink?
For such a time as this, you and I are called to the dangerous but joyful frontlines of the countercultural revolution of grace and truth.
Perhaps the most astounding promise that Zechariah receives from the Lord is that the world is watching! This hope is also for us. People who are far removed from the truth … people who are antagonistic to God’s Word … people from parts of the globe where God and His gospel are forbidden … will one day seek after the King who reigns forever in us. Miraculously, they will desire the Jesus who is Lord of all. Why would the nations ever do such a thing? “Because we have heard that God is with you” (8:23).
Be not discouraged, but be enthused. For we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. The cross and the tomb are empty. Hallelujah!
“This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!”
Pastor Charles
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