November 25

In Zechariah 6–8, God reveals His plan to restore His people and establish His kingdom through righteousness and peace. In chapter 6, Zechariah sees a vision of a priest-king named “the Branch,” who will build the Lord’s temple and rule with perfect harmony. This foreshadows Jesus Christ—the true King and High Priest—who unites God’s justice and mercy in Himself.

In chapter 7, God confronts hollow religion. The people had been fasting and performing rituals, but their hearts were far from Him. He reminds them that true worship is not empty tradition but genuine love expressed in justice, mercy, and compassion. In chapter 8, God promises renewal: old and young will fill the streets, joy will replace sorrow, and truth and peace will reign. He assures them, I am jealous for Zion with great zeal. God’s deep love for His people moves Him to restore what was broken and to dwell among them once more.

In 1 John 4, we see that same love revealed in Christ. John writes, This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because we have received this love, we are called to love one another. God’s love is not theoretical—it is transformational. It rebuilds relationships, restores the heart, and reflects His character in the world. When His love abides in us, fear loses its grip, and faith takes root.

Together, these passages remind us that God’s rebuilding work is rooted in love—His love for us and our love for others. Just as God called His people to build His house with sincerity and truth, He calls us to build our lives on the foundation of His love, becoming living temples where His presence dwells.

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