"God First"

Once again we are facing the be-ginning of a new year. Some of us are filled with anticipation regarding the possibilities that are held in the days and months to come. Others of us are a little concerned and anxious, wondering whether or not this new year will allow us the opportunity to break free from the burdens that have plagued us in the past. Regardless of our feelings, each one of us are reminded in this first month of this new year, that the life before us is un-charted, unfamiliar, and open territory. The question arises, how are we best able to face the opportunities before us?

Scripture addresses this question in the story of Israel’s (i.e. both kingdoms) restoration to their homeland. This new journey was initiated by the Persian king Darius’ proclamation al-lowing the exiles of any nation to return to their homes. Many of the exiles of Israel joyfully returned, eager to rededicate themselves to the Lord, their God. Evidence of their dedication, they set out to rebuild the Temple, and to recommit in their lives in worship of God.

Unfortunately for the returning exiles, life and the unexpected distractions got in the way of their good intentions. They found themselves busy re-building their own homes, establishing their own jobs. The work on the Temple slowed down, and eventually fell to the wayside.

Their commitment to God became a second priority. God was just another item on a long list of things to do and appointments to meet. Their spiritual enthusiasm waned as they embarked on their new road of freedom.

There would have been little disruption to their abandonment of their rededication and renewal of faith, if God were a passive partner in this relationship. However, God was eager to receive their praise and to nourish this human and divine covenant. So God raised up a prophet to call the people into faithfulness; to en-courage them to place God first in their lives. God cried out, “Return to me, says the LORD of hosts.”1 The prophet Zechariah admonished the people to take God seriously as they faced the new dawn of restoration, “Be silent, all people, before the LORD; for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.”2

The message was clearly made, that a faithful commitment to placing God first would in reality enhance the lives of the faithful. God promised, “Thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts shall be called the holy mountain. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to Me, says the LORD of hosts?”3

As we embark on this new year, we too are encouraged to put God first in our lives. Regardless of what we have done or failed to do in the past, God calls upon us to return to God. We can best face the opportunities that lie before us by trusting God and committing our lives to faithfully serve God. The saying is true, “I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow.” With God first in our lives, who or what can be against us?

In the Love of Jesus the Messiah,

Mark

1 Zechariah 1:6

2 Zechariah 2:13
3 Zechariah 8:3-6.