The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Zechariah 1:1-4, “In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,
2 “The LORD was very angry with your fathers.
3 “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the LORD of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.
4 “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.”‘ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the LORD.”

From this basic challenge to repent, Zechariah moves on to give eight visions designed to further encourage the LORD’s people. The prophet first cites the material side of prosperity that will come (1:7-17). Additionally, there is coming a spiritual side of prosperity (3:1-6:8). Interestingly, the prophet cites the material first. Perhaps, he knows that will get his listeners’ attention and set them up for the spiritual side that is coming.

Two years later, he answers questions concerning the observance of certain feasts that the people themselves had instituted. While it is dangerous for any people to institute things that the LORD has not commanded, it does speak well that the people were asking if what they were doing was acceptable to God. Far too often, we just launch out and do whatever seems good to us, and later ask the LORD to bless it. That’s putting things together backwards.

There is far more to what Zechariah says than can be stated in our small letter. Still, we will all do well to follow Scriptural teachings as we know them while being careful at the same time to neither overlook His teachings nor include aspects He has not included. There is a great deal of false teachings permeating the world-at-large today. Seek a church that advocates the whole council of God and shares it faithfully and consistently with humility. The LORD will be honored and you will be blessed.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom