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"I am determined to do good"

Text: Zechariah 8:15

GOD’S DETERMINATION

We understand the concept of “determination” in our human experience. God wanted His people to know that He also practised “determination.”

“For thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘Just as I determined to punish you
When your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’
Says the Lord of hosts,
‘And I would not relent,
So again in these days
I am determined to do good
To Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.
Do not fear.'”
Zechariah 8:14-15

1. The concept of Divine “determination”

a) God’s will.

b) God’s judgment.

c) God’s power would be brought to bear.

d) What God had determined would be fulfilled as He had said.

2. God’s first determination

a) To punish the nation of Israel:

i) Because the nation provoked God to wrath.

ii) When Israel turned to idolatry.

iii) When it stubbornly chose to commit iniquity.

b) God would not relent in that first determination.

i) Israel was conquered by the Assyrians (722 BC).

ii) Judah was conquered by the Babylonians (586 BC).

iii) These were solemn historical facts.

3. God’s new determination

a) God was determined to do good to Jerusalem and Judah.

b) There was no need to fear the future because of this word given.

i) Of course, Israel must not turn to idolatry ever again.

ii) It must seek to walk in paths of righteousness.

iii) God would bless His people as they walk in understanding and obedience to Him.