Ronald Penny's video: Sunday School in 7minutes for May 10 PROMISING PEACE Zechariah 8

Zechariah is the author of the Book of Zechariah. The book is the eleventh of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He was a prophet of the Kingdom of Judah, and, like the prophet Ezekiel, was of priestly extraction. At this point, Israel had returned from exile. So the words we read today are words that were intended originally to encourage the remnant of Israel that was struggling to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. But these words also apply to God’s people in every generation who seek to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ as we await His glorious return. Relationships are one of God’s most precious blessings. Sin damages and can destroy family relationships. Truth and holiness strengthen relationships and we need God’s strength. God is sending this message through Zechariah to encourage the children of Israel, as they try to rebuild the temple after exile. We have all had daunting tasks before us that discourage us. That situation was only exacerbated, even more when the hole we are digging out from was because of our own doing. The remnant is trying to rebuild so God is actually saying to them I care deeply about you and your are not alone God is with you, back in Jerusalem with you. To build their hope God described a idillic city saying Old men and old women will come back to Jerusalem, sit on benches on the streets and spin tales, move around safely with their canes. It will be a safe city in which to live and grow old. Boys and girls will fill the public parks, laughing and playing—a good city to grow up in. Remember this is a remnant of Israel . So with only a fraction of the people they are seek to rebuild that which the Whole had constructed. They, like us were feeling over whelmed. During these time the only hope comes from God that sustains us. God reminds them of his power. Saying to the people “I’ll collect my people from countries to the east and countries to the west. I’ll bring them back and move them into Jerusalem. They’ll be my people and I’ll be their God. I’ll stay with them and do right by them.” God has the power to change our current situation taking us from the low point of being overwhelmed to the heights of overcoming. I say again, This is a remnant of a nation. So they have faced uphill battle rebuilding and growing crops on land that had not be cultivated by them. But is saying he will, God moves the nation to a new normal. These are Gods people so he asserts Sowing and harvesting will resume, Vines will grow grapes, Gardens will flourish, Dew and rain will make everything green. God is again show to the world his power to take scraps, the residue, what is left after captivation and exploration and turn it into prosperity. His core survivors will get everything they need—and more. Now, Let be honest here, The children of Israel had the reputation as a bad-news people, but God had the power to take leftover dregs and save the nation fulfilling his promise to Abraham. From these people would come the good-news. God reminds them that the same God that decided to punish Israel when the people were disobedient and made God angry, That same has God decided to bless Jerusalem and the country of Judah. So Don’t be afraid you know God’s power Our relationship with God is as a loving father a good Shepard, we have no need to fear if we love and obey. The remanent is but a small portion of the once nation The the remanent needs to bond together Trusting each other Building on there shared values So God tells them to: Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts. Don’t scheme to take unfair advantage of others. Don’t do lie Keep your lives simple and honest.” Decree of God. All Relationship are built on trust - Marriages Families Chuches Companies Nations all depend on trust and trust is built on truth You want even drink the kool aid from house you do not trust - wonder if the telling truth about the ingratiates