By Kerry Knight, Emerald Beach Church of Christ
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).
Did you notice in the verse above that God uses the expression “Lord of hosts” three times in one verse? Why? Jehovah was making an undeniable point about the power and importance of this message. Because the history of ancient Israel was one of forsaking God and leaving “Him” to favor the pagan gods of the Canaanites, He was now giving them a strong message of both obedience and forgiveness, of repentance and His eternal love. If they would return to the God they had abandoned, He was willing to return to them.
In the New Testament James wrote: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8-9).
How often Christians leave the church, leaving behind not only their worship of God, but also their vow to serve Him. The world’s allure becomes more important to them, and their faith becomes a distant memory. Many never return to the Lord, and their soul is lost. God wants you back. He is willing to come to you and embrace you just as the father in Luke 15 with the prodigal son. God loves you and will forgive you.
