Day of Small Things

From the ESV Study Bible Intro to Zechariah: "Under the circumstances, it was easy for the people to conclude that theirs was a "day of small things" (4:10) in which God was absent from his people. In such a context, faithful obedience was viewed by many as useless: pragmatically, it made more sense to pursue to best life possible in spite of the present difficulties."

How culturally relevant is that for today??? I don't really know that this blog has much of a purpose but to flesh out some things I've been thinking about and struggling to understand. I decided to do a little study of the book of Zechariah because of a sermon I heard Sunday night. It's so difficult to truly understand the prophets of the Old Testament until you understand what was going on in their world at the time of writing. As I was reading the introduction, the quote above struck a chord in me.

I've been heartwrenched (don't know if that's a word, but it pretty much describes how I've been feeling) lately over the lack of urgency I have to share my faith with others. I had to call someone the other day to do a reference check for a student. The reference happened to be a pastor in our community. When I finished the business portion of the conversation, this man asked me where I go to church. I answered, and his response was one of utter relief. He said, "Great. Then you're a believer. That's so wonderful." I was a little taken aback by his question and comments and shamefully thought, wow that could be a big turnoff to people. But quickly I realized that this man has it right. He's not afraid to find out where people are in their relationship with Christ. He put it right out there. A positive response from me was not what he was looking for. He was looking for the opportunity to share the love of God with someone who may not know it! I want to have that same sense of urgency. Tonight I struggled with an email I was sending to a friend. I honestly didn't feel like he wanted my God-centered perspective, but I didn't know what else to say. Everything else seemed to fall flat. God's sovereignty and providence were the only words of encouragment that made sense. But why did I struggle in writing that message. This is what I believe with all of my heart. Why don't I have a sense of urgency to share it, both in word and in deed?

I've been heartwrenched lately because I'm seeing so many people who aren't "ready" for God right now. They know about God, but they have no interest in knowing God. This brings me to tears. Like the people in the days of Zechariah, people today find faithful obedience useless and strive to live life to the fullest. Well, I agree that we should live life to the fullest, but the fullest life can only be found in Christ! Why do we all think we have more time? Why is surrender so hard?

We are not living in the "day of small things." We are living in a world where God hears our cries and delivers us from our fears. We are living in a world where God is active, where the Holy Spirit is moving, where God desperately seeks a relationship with us, his creation.

I want to transform my tears to action. I want to transform my heartwrench to love. I want to prove my God and His faithfulness over and over again. I want to sing with my life, "This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long!" God is not absent. God is not distant. God is here! God is alive! God has given us life to live to the fullest...if only we will grab hold of it!