What practical steps can believers take to avoid the consequences mentioned in Zechariah 14:18? “And if the family of Egypt does not go up and enter in, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the same plague with which the LORD strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.” Why This Warning Still Matters • The verse sits in a literal description of Messiah’s reign, where every nation is summoned to worship Him in Jerusalem. • Refusal brings two clear consequences: drought (“no rain”) and plague—a vivid reminder that withholding worship invites both physical and spiritual barrenness. • While the future fulfillment is certain, the principle already applies: honoring the Lord brings blessing; withholding honor invites dryness and discipline (Deuteronomy 11:13-17; Galatians 6:7-8). Practical Steps to Avoid Those Consequences Cultivate faithful, joyful worship • Give the Lord the first place in weekly corporate gatherings (Hebrews 10:25). • Turn everyday moments into thanksgiving—mirror the Feast of Tabernacles by celebrating God’s provision (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Submit to the King’s authority • Daily confess Jesus as Lord, aligning decisions, relationships, and goals with His Word (Luke 6:46-48). • Invite Scripture to overrule opinion; obey promptly when convicted (James 1:22-25). Guard against spiritual drought • Schedule regular, unrushed Bible intake—quality time, not drive-through devotions (Psalm 1:2-3). • Pair the Word with prayerful dependence on the Spirit so truth sinks from head to heart (John 7:37-39). Live in community, not isolation • Participate actively in a local congregation—serve, encourage, be accountable (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Celebrate God’s faithfulness together, just as Israel gathered for the feast. Practice generosity and hospitality • The Feast of Tabernacles overflowed with shared meals and open tents; imitate that spirit by meeting needs, welcoming outsiders, and funding gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Keep short accounts with God • Confess sin quickly; hidden rebellion dries up spiritual vitality (Psalm 32:3-5; 1 John 1:9). • Replace stubbornness with humility—“Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7-8). Stay mission-minded • Support efforts to bring every nation into joyful worship now, anticipating the day all will stream to Jerusalem (Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 2:2-3). Encouraging Promises to Fuel Obedience • “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) • “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season.” (Deuteronomy 28:12) Putting It All Together 1. Worship wholeheartedly. 2. Obey promptly. 3. Soak in Scripture and prayer. 4. Walk in community and generosity. 5. Keep repentance current. 6. Advance the gospel globally. Follow these steps and the blessings of refreshing “rain” replace the barrenness Zechariah warns against. |
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