relentless goodness

For thus says the LORD of hosts: “As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts, so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.”

Zechariah 8:14-15

With the rebuilding of God’s temple in Jerusalem described in Zechariah’s prophecy, and the recommitment of God’s people to worship the Lord, God gave a renewal of the gifts of His covenant in a season of revival. When God is worshiped, He brings blessing.

The past did not change. God reminded them that their forefathers brought upon the nation His unrelenting wrath. But the present was changing in their obedience. God purposed to now bring unrelenting good to a people who once suffered under the wrath of His judgment. And a new future of bright and better days awaited them as they obeyed. No longer did they need to suffer in the hard way of the transgressors. They could again know and possess the joy of the gifts of covenant commitment to the Lord.

Grace is God’s relentless goodness. And He loves to show it to sinners who repent and come to Him. He now forever blesses in Christ all who should deserve His wrath but turn to Jesus for mercy and life. Thank and praise our God for His good purposes!