Return to Me: An Invitation You Cannot Afford to Miss!
There’s a phrase in Zechariah so simple it almost sounds too easy, too small to notice … yet so vital in our walk - that it can change the direction of your life: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.”
It’s not just a catchy slogan from the prophet. These are the very words of God, spoken to a people coming out of seventy years of exile. Israel had rebelled, ignored God’s warnings, and suffered the consequences. Yet God, in His mercy, kept His promise and opened the door for them to return home. But many did not want to go. Babylon had become comfortable. They had built houses, planted gardens, raised families, and established lives. None of those things were wrong in and of themselves. God had told them to do so – actually. The problem was that Babylon had become more desirable than returning to the Lord. Comfort had replaced their calling.
That danger is not just limited to those ancient Israelites. We may not be physically exiled, but we can become spiritually captive. Fear, bitterness, anxiety, pride, anger, lust, greed, comfort, or control can quietly take hold of our hearts. We can still know the songs by heart, recognize the Bible verses, and speak the language of our faith, yet all the while - our hearts have been doing a “slow and steady” - drift from God. That is why the Lord’s invitation matters so much - especially in this day: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” God identifies Himself in Zechariah 1:3 as the “Lord of hosts”(not just once but 3x), the commander of all heavenly and earthly authorities, and armies. This isn’t just a suggestion either - it is a loving command from the One who has all authority. What an incredible promise! God does not say, “Return to Me and I’ll think about it.” He says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” Returning means repentance. It is more than feeling bad or saying … “I’m sorry”. Repentance is a change of direction and a change of heart. It means we stop making excuses and we stop defending (our right to have) what God has already pointed out He wants to change or remove from our lives. We stop excusing what the Spirit has been convicting us of. We turn from our way and turn toward God.
I think of a farmer preparing soil. He doesn't just throw the seed onto hard ground - hope it rains - and expect a harvest. The soil must be broken up. Rocks must be removed. Weeds must be pulled (continually I might add). In the same way, God’s Word (as a cutting plow) turns over the soil of our hearts. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is living and powerful, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. God exposes what is buried not to destroy us, but to make us more fruitful. Galatians 5 describes that fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That kind of fruit doesn't grow in neglected, unwatered or stony soil - where weeds choke it out.
So ask yourself honestly: what is it that has taken you captive? What has become your Babylon? Your very temporary – “safe-place”? Is it Bitterness? Fear? Comfort? Control? A life too busy for God? Which fruit of the Spirit is bitterness?, anger? and all the rest. His invitation is still open to you today. Return to Him—not to religious routine, appearances, or trying harder, but return to Him – the person! Who desires – an intimate close relationship and fellowship with you. He will give you the strength and the way out! You are His child – and He wants the best for you!
“Return to Me, (says the Lord of hosts) and I will return to you."
You see - that's not just a good idea - a pithy slogan or even a complicated command. It is a promise waiting to be released in your life! When we take God at His Word - He will always see us through! Try it today - and see what He can do!
Amen!
Bob
There’s a phrase in Zechariah so simple it almost sounds too easy, too small to notice … yet so vital in our walk - that it can change the direction of your life: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.”
It’s not just a catchy slogan from the prophet. These are the very words of God, spoken to a people coming out of seventy years of exile. Israel had rebelled, ignored God’s warnings, and suffered the consequences. Yet God, in His mercy, kept His promise and opened the door for them to return home. But many did not want to go. Babylon had become comfortable. They had built houses, planted gardens, raised families, and established lives. None of those things were wrong in and of themselves. God had told them to do so – actually. The problem was that Babylon had become more desirable than returning to the Lord. Comfort had replaced their calling.
That danger is not just limited to those ancient Israelites. We may not be physically exiled, but we can become spiritually captive. Fear, bitterness, anxiety, pride, anger, lust, greed, comfort, or control can quietly take hold of our hearts. We can still know the songs by heart, recognize the Bible verses, and speak the language of our faith, yet all the while - our hearts have been doing a “slow and steady” - drift from God. That is why the Lord’s invitation matters so much - especially in this day: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” God identifies Himself in Zechariah 1:3 as the “Lord of hosts”(not just once but 3x), the commander of all heavenly and earthly authorities, and armies. This isn’t just a suggestion either - it is a loving command from the One who has all authority. What an incredible promise! God does not say, “Return to Me and I’ll think about it.” He says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” Returning means repentance. It is more than feeling bad or saying … “I’m sorry”. Repentance is a change of direction and a change of heart. It means we stop making excuses and we stop defending (our right to have) what God has already pointed out He wants to change or remove from our lives. We stop excusing what the Spirit has been convicting us of. We turn from our way and turn toward God.
I think of a farmer preparing soil. He doesn't just throw the seed onto hard ground - hope it rains - and expect a harvest. The soil must be broken up. Rocks must be removed. Weeds must be pulled (continually I might add). In the same way, God’s Word (as a cutting plow) turns over the soil of our hearts. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is living and powerful, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. God exposes what is buried not to destroy us, but to make us more fruitful. Galatians 5 describes that fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That kind of fruit doesn't grow in neglected, unwatered or stony soil - where weeds choke it out.
So ask yourself honestly: what is it that has taken you captive? What has become your Babylon? Your very temporary – “safe-place”? Is it Bitterness? Fear? Comfort? Control? A life too busy for God? Which fruit of the Spirit is bitterness?, anger? and all the rest. His invitation is still open to you today. Return to Him—not to religious routine, appearances, or trying harder, but return to Him – the person! Who desires – an intimate close relationship and fellowship with you. He will give you the strength and the way out! You are His child – and He wants the best for you!
“Return to Me, (says the Lord of hosts) and I will return to you."
You see - that's not just a good idea - a pithy slogan or even a complicated command. It is a promise waiting to be released in your life! When we take God at His Word - He will always see us through! Try it today - and see what He can do!
Amen!
Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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