Don’t Hold Me Back

In week 2 of our series “New” from the book of Zechariah we are looking at a prophecy from God, delivered through Zechariah, to God’s people. 

Zechariah prophesies that a day is coming when God’s people will once again be united in their home land. This invitation from God is to leave the places where they had been scattered (and smothered, and covered) and return home to his presence. 

What we think about when we think about God is very important. In fact A.W Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” 

God’s people are very important to him! Zechariah calls them the apple of his eye. Meaning they are his most prized possession. Though they had worshiped other gods and their hearts had wandered away from him, God wanted his people to return to the place of his presence. 

This is the same message God has for us today. When we fall, when we struggle, when we chase other things, God calls us to return to his presence. 

So how do we connect with God and live a life in God’s presence. 

First there is a call to repentance. The people had to get up and leave where they were in order to return to God! Maybe repentance is a word that is a spooky-church word to you, but it’s really a simple concept. To repent, is to turn! If you are going north repentance means you are now walking south. 

We choose to turn back to God because he is good and forgiving (1 John 1:9, Psalm 103: 2-14) God’s desire for us when we fall is to be restored. We find this restoration through repentance. 

True repentance is found in confession and accountability. Our pride is the enemy of true repentance. We have to lay down our excuses and choose to truly turn from our own way. 

Accountability is how we continue to walk in that repentant way. We need healthy, Godly relationships in our life where people have a voice to share concerns about ways we might be walking in sin. These people shouldn’t be bullies or manipulators but we also need to be receptive to their instruction and council in our lives. 

In order to live a life where we are pursuing God’s presence wholly, we need to be worshiping constantly. “Shout and Celebrate!” These are the words of instruction given to God’s people.
Worship is not something God asks or suggest, but something he commands. Regardless of our feelings or personal ideals we are called to worship. In our world, we have unfortunately boiled worship down to simply 20 minutes on a Sunday morning when in reality it is so much more. 

Worship changes our mindset. Worship refocuses us on God’s glory. Worship welcomes us into the powerful presence of God. 

As Jesus died on the cross, some weird stuff happened. “Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:51-53) 

People walked out of their tombs, the ground shook but even more monumental, the curtain to the temple was torn in two. 

Maybe tearing a curtain doesn’t sound like much of a big deal, but this curtain was to the Holy-of-Holies. A place where once a year, one man, could briefly enter into the presence of God. 

This place was separated by what Josephus describes as, “a veil was 4 inches thick, was renewed every year, and that horses tied to each side could not pull it apart.” 

This was a pretty big deal. This was the barrier between God and man and now, because of Jesus it is removed. Gone is the need to clean up to get to God. We now are welcomed into God’s presence any where and any time through the power of his spirit. 

Therese nothing that can hold us back! 

 Questions to Go Deeper: 

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message or your small group? 

What is repentance? What is repentance NOT?

Why was repentance a key component of Zechariah’s message?

How has personal repentance helped you become more aware of God’s presence?

How can you know if you are “near” to God or not? What would you tell someone who feels like they are not close to God?

1/24/21