Personal Introduction
My sisters, my friends, this is the first time I’ve ever read through the Bible chronologically. In the past, I’ve just gone book by book in the traditional order. But reading this way helps the story make so much more sense. It’s amazing to see Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah side by side — all receiving messages from the Lord in the same time of history, working together to encourage God’s people to return, rebuild, and trust Him.
Scripture Focus
“Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you.’”
—Zechariah 1:3 NLT

“The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me to you.’”
—Zechariah 2:10–11 NLT

“Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.’ … ‘See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.’ … ‘Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. … I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.’”
—Zechariah 3:1–9 NLT

Reflection
Zechariah begins with a call: “Return to me, and I will return to you” (1:3). Before God could rebuild His house or cleanse His people, He wanted their hearts. Repentance always comes before renewal. God reminded them that the words of earlier prophets had come true—His discipline was real, but so was His promise of mercy if they turned back.
Then, in chapter 2, God’s heart is revealed: He longs to dwell among His people. His promise was not just to restore Jerusalem’s walls and temple, but to live in the midst of His people and draw the nations to Himself. It points forward to Jesus, Emmanuel—God with us—and to the ultimate fulfillment when every nation will bow to His reign.
Chapter 3 gives us the personal picture: Jeshua the high priest, clothed in filthy garments, accused by Satan. This scene shows what all of us deserve—shame, guilt, condemnation. But God Himself rebukes the accuser, removes the filth, and clothes His servant in new garments. This is a picture of the gospel: sins taken away, righteousness given, and authority restored—not because of our merit, but because of the coming of the Branch, the Messiah, who would remove sin in a single day at the cross.
Together these chapters declare a progression of God’s heart:

• Return to Me (ch. 1)
• I will dwell with you (ch. 2)
• I will cleanse and clothe you through My Messiah (ch. 3)

This is God’s story for His people then—and His invitation to us today.


Lesson for Me
Even though I have given my heart to Jesus, the call still comes: “Return to Me.” Repentance isn’t just for the first time we come to Christ; it’s a daily posture of turning back whenever my heart drifts. God wants me close.
The promise that He will “live among you” reminds me that I’m never alone. The Holy Spirit dwells inside me—His presence is my security, my comfort, and my strength to obey.
And Jeshua’s cleansing is my story too: I once stood guilty, but Jesus snatched me from the fire, rebuked the accuser, and clothed me in His righteousness. That truth humbles me and draws me into grateful worship.
So how do I grow closer? By daily walking in these realities: repent quickly, remain aware of His presence, and rejoice in His cleansing grace.


Application Questions

1. Where do I need to return to the Lord today—an area where I’ve drifted or grown careless?
2. How can I practice the awareness of His presence this week (through prayer, Scripture, or worship)?
3. Do I live as if I’m clothed in Christ’s righteousness, or do I still carry the weight of shame?
4. What is one step of obedience I can take to walk more closely in His ways today?

Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for calling me to return—not once, but daily. Thank You that You dwell with me through Your Spirit and that Jesus has cleansed me, clothing me in His righteousness. Help me to walk in Your ways with joy, turning quickly when I drift, and living with confidence that I belong to You. Keep me aware of Your presence and faithful to Your calling. Amen.


Takeaway
God calls me to daily return, assures me of His presence, and reminds me that I am clothed in Christ’s righteousness.
Cross-References
Romans 8:33–34 (NLT)
“Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”
Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)
“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”


Journaling Reminder ✍️
Sit quietly before the Lord. Ask Him to speak to your heart about today’s message. Write down what He shows you—areas to return, ways to walk closer, and truths He wants to strengthen in you.