April 23: Zechariah Gave Hope
Bible Passage: Zechariah 13-14
Christ Connection: Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.
Bottom Line: I can hope in God no matter what.
Context:
Peace and security are words often heard in the whirlwind of our news cycles. They are used as ideas or desires that require work to achieve. They are used in the negative sense of not being a current reality. They are used as the aim, answer, or solution to the world’s problems. Though the idea of peace and security are not foreign to our vernacular, they are most certainly foreign to much of our world’s reality. It is hard to find a pocket of the earth that might be described with these terms. Rather, what is most often found is chaos and fear. When we understand the true impact of sin on the world, this comes as no surprise. It’s not shocking to see the news of war and violence. It does not bring amazement to hear of murder and strife. There is no astonishment at the experience of disappointment or pain because we know that we live in a world riddled with sin and its implications. Read the words of Zechariah 14:11. What comes to mind? “People will live there, and never again will there be a curse of complete destruction. So Jerusalem will dwell in security.” Are you struck by the thought of such a place that could be described as secure? Are you left longing for that to be your reality? Are you doubtful that this could ever be a reality? Ultimately, this is a promise that is sure to happen. This promise is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:7-9: “The LORD had his heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors, he brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commands.” This promise was for God’s people then, and it is for all who follow Jesus today as well. This peace and security is ours in Christ. As sure as Christ has come, lived, died, and risen, so can we find rest that this promise is true and this day will come.
Takeaways
- God have His people hope when they faced a hard time.
- God is not like people. Only God always does what is right and never lies.
- Zechariah reminded the people that, in the future, God is going to set up a new kingdom over the nations with a new king, Jesus.
- Even when things aren’t right in our world today, we can have hope, because there is coming a day when every wrong will be made right.
- Bottom Line: I can hope in God no matter what.
Discussion Questions
- What are some of the challenges or problems that kids face today? Lead kids to share the troubles they face or their friends encounter. Help them to see that everyone faces hard times so everyone has an opportunity to put their hope in God.
- When we have problems, what can we do to put our hope in God? Remind kids that God is with them and that He is always working. Talk about how they can pray always talk to God about the problems they are facing. They can also talk to their parents or group leaders to talk about their problems so we know they aren’t alone.
- Why can we trust God when challenges come? Lead kids to consider how God has an eternal plan. Remind kids that God does not see things the way we do. Help kids understand that God uses challenges to help us depend on Him and believe His words. Encourage the kids by telling them God knows everything, cares about His people, and will work everything out for our good.
- What can we do so difficulties don’t discourage us? Encourage kids to remember God’s faithfulness. Remind kids that even when difficulties try and discourage us, we can trust that God is with us and that He is in control. Lead kids to remember that God also cares for them and promises to give them strength and hope when they depend on Him.