Joyful Action

Joyful Action 

Zechariah 8: 1–17

These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord. Zechariah 8: 16–17

In this section of Zechariah, the prophet speaks of a God who makes a lot of promises. God promises to restore Jerusalem in many ways. God promises long lives and joyful children as part of an overall rebuilding on Jerusalem. God promises a world that is not restored to its former glory, but made even better, stronger, and more righteous. This is all a part of God’s overall promise to dwell among them and be their God. The prophet presents this not as God doing these acts begrudgingly, but as God taking delight in God’s people. 

And what does God ask in return? For our own joyful action. For this joyful society to exist, the people need to speak truth and show love and peace through their actions. This should not be done begrudgingly or unwillingly, but as acts of joy. 

While it may be hard to believe, we in modern day times, also get to create a society that is joyous, peaceful, and loving by consistently doing the same acts of truth, love, and peace. May we truly believe in this possibility, act accordingly, and move forward with joy. 

Dr. Annie Lockhart-Gilroy

Associate Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology and 

Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program

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