Sunday, November 1st

The Book of Zechariah (7-9)
Zechariah 7:9-14, 8:1, 3, 7-8, 12-13, 16-17 and Mark 8:1-10

Reflection Questions

Continuing our journey in Zechariah, carve out space to read and listen to the prophetic words in chapters 7-9.

  1. In Zechariah 7:9-14, God through Zechariah clearly lays out for his people how he desires them to reflect and demonstrate true love towards others. Yet, God states that his people were stubborn and did not pay attention to his life-giving counsel. Stop for a few moments and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart to see where there might be an inattentive ear, a stubborn heart regarding your relations or circumstances.

Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I’m about;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

Psalm 139: 23-24 (MSG)

  1. Receive the words of God’s promise to be with his people in all dimensions of life as you read Zechariah 8:1, 3, 7-8, 12-13, 16-17. What do you sense God inviting you to receive: encouragement, correction, instruction, assistance, forgiveness, peace? Speak to God about the content of your heart, his word to you, his promise to be with you. How do you want to respond today? In what creative and concrete ways might you exercise his instructions to be a reflection of true love to others? (7:9-10; 8:16-17)
  2. Read Mark 8:1-10. Place yourself imaginatively in the story before you. Feel the hunger and weariness of the crowd. Hear the compassion of Jesus in his words as he tangibly cares for the concerns of his friends. Feel the tension of the disciples who recognize the need and acknowledge it is too great; it’s beyond their ability to fix, handle, or even imagine resolution. Now, identify any needs you have today; even a stubborn heart or a weariness of spirit with the real demands of your day. Sit with Jesus. As you do, wonder with him how he might bring aid, comfort, and satisfaction to you right where you are. Ask for the tender mercies of God, who is compassionate to save.