Assurance from God

 “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 1:3).

God was angry with His people after their return from Babylonian captivity because they had allowed their enemies to cause them to stop rebuilding the Temple and restoring worship there. They had forgotten about God.

The Prophet Zechariah was one of several prophets who had the task of encouraging the people to return to God and to get on with the project of rebuilding the Temple. He gives them God’s message directly: “Return to Me.” And with that plea came a wonderful message of Hope: God would return to them.

That same plea rings down through the New Testament Age today with the promise, not of a material blessing, but with the blessing of Hope for Eternity. If we will but submit to God’s authority, He gives us assurance of a home with Him some day.