The reading that we have from the Prophet Zechariah today sounds remarkably similar to that which we heard on Saturday. The differences are subtle. In chapter two which we heard on Saturday, Zechariah was recounting a vision that he had seen in an altered state of consciousness. The first seven chapters of this book relate a total of seven different visions that the man of God experienced while in a dream-like state.
Chapter eight, which we read from today, is a different kind of literature. Rather than visions, Zechariah now pronounces oracles, messages that have come to him from God. This particular oracle is a confirmation of the vision which he had of the restored Temple and city of Jerusalem.
Scripture scholars also believe that the Book of the Prophet Zechariah was written by two different prophets of the same name, much the same as we believe of the prophet Isaiah. They are regarded as a corporate personality, men of like thought and of similar callings reporting the message that God has given them. Repetition offers us not only the assurance that this is God’s word shared by two different prophets, it also helps us to remember the centrality of the message. The period of punishment, represented by the Babylonian captivity, is over. The covenant is once again in place, and the people are urged to renew themselves in their covenant faith. As the readings for this week unfold, we will witness the restoration and renewal of God’s covenant with the people Israel.
Today we hear it stated very clearly yet again: “They shall be my people, and I will be their God, with faithfulness and justice.” Just as the Israelites are urged to renew their covenant relationship, we too are to leave the past in the dust and work to establish God’s Kingdom in the present. Once again we are invited to remember that covenant which has been sealed in the blood of Jesus, our High Priest.