Main Idea: The living God is the only reliable Help and Guide.
A Look at the Text:
Zechariah’s oracle from the previous chapter continues through today’s text with an invitation from God to the people: ask. Specifically, they could ask God for rain when they needed the spring rain (Zech. 10:1). For it is He who makes the clouds, gives rain, and gives vegetation in the fields (Zech. 10:1).
Tragically, it was commonplace for the people of Judah to seek help from illegitimate sources. They were like sheep without a shepherd because they were led astray. They consulted household idols that were lifeless, and their diviners shared false dreams (Zech. 10:2).
In response, God would stand in judgment against the shepherds, or leaders, of His people. He was angry with the leaders because of how they treated His people, for He cared for the house of Judah (Zech. 10:3).
As such, he would act on their behalf. He was going to send a new ruler (Zech. 10:4) and bring back the rest of Israel in even greater measure (Zech. 10:6). While they had been scattered by Him, He would faithfully bring them home (Zech. 10:8-10). He would march through the sea of trouble and strike down the waves of the sea on their behalf (Zech. 10:11). He would make them strong, but only strong in Him (Zech. 10:12).
Bringing it Home:
Scripture reveals in so many places that the Lord is a present help, and yet tragically His people throughout the ages have ignored His offers and leaned on other helps. God invited His people to ask for rain, but would they go elsewhere? In the past, foolishly, they followed idols and diviners with false dreams. They listened to those who brought empty consolation and caused the people to wander.
It’s essential for us to know today that only God can both promise and fulfill His promises perfectly, every time.
He is the One who can invite us to ask and who will also answer. He is One who leads us in truth and who will not give empty consolation. He not only promises rain but also brings the storm clouds and ultimately gives vegetation in the fields that He watered.
His Word is true. It will come to pass. His messages aren’t merely feel-good thoughts intended to get us through another week but are real promises from a real God who is really with us. Judah was given hope for the future, but that hope was only going to be found in Him. Their strength would be in Him. Their source of sustenance would be in Him.
Will we then take our needs to Him in faith and trust? Or will we depend upon others who bring false consolation? If He has offered, will we ask? Sometimes we miss out simply because we don’t (James 4:2).
Challenge:
Do I truly believe God’s promises?