How can we discern God's warnings in our lives like Zechariah's vision? A Fresh Look at Zechariah 5:1 “Again I lifted up my eyes and saw a flying scroll.” (Zechariah 5:1) • Zechariah literally sees a massive scroll in mid-air. • It carries curses against theft and false oaths (vv. 2–4), underscoring that God does not overlook unrepentant sin. • The vision is a vivid, public warning meant to spur immediate repentance. Why God Still Sends Warnings • He loves us too much to let sin destroy us (Hebrews 12:6). • Warnings steer us back to holiness and blessing (Psalm 19:11). • Ignoring them invites discipline and loss (Proverbs 13:18). Primary Channels of Divine Warning Today 1. Scripture – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 2. The Holy Spirit – “When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). 3. God-given Conscience – Romans 2:15 reminds us that the moral law is written on the heart. 4. Godly Counsel – “In a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Providential Circumstances – Closed doors, unrest, or repeated setbacks can echo Jonah’s storm (Jonah 1). 6. Church Discipline – Matthew 18:15-17 outlines loving confrontation for the believer’s restoration. Practical Steps to Discern a Warning • Pause and pray: ask the Lord for clarity (James 1:5). • Compare the impression to clear Scripture. God never contradicts His Word. • Seek confirmation from mature believers. • Examine personal motives; repent of any known sin (Psalm 139:23-24). • Note persistence: genuine warnings tend to resurface until addressed. Common Signs We Might Be Ignoring the Scroll – Persistent guilt after prayerless decisions – Loss of peace when contemplating a course of action – Repeated exposure to the same passage or sermon theme – Loving rebuke from multiple believers about the same issue – Doors slamming shut despite human effort Healthy Responses When the Warning Is Clear • Confess specifically (1 John 1:9). • Abandon the sin or risky path immediately (Proverbs 28:13). • Make restitution where possible—much like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8). • Replace disobedience with active obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Stay accountable; invite continued correction (Hebrews 3:13). Blessings of Heeding God’s Warnings • Renewed fellowship and joy (Psalm 51:12). • Protection from deeper consequences (1 Corinthians 11:31-32). • Growth in wisdom and discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Stronger testimony to a watching world (1 Peter 2:12). Living Ready to “Lift Up Our Eyes” • Begin each day in the Word; let God speak first. • Cultivate a soft, teachable heart. Hardened hearts miss flying scrolls. • Keep short accounts with God—swift confession keeps warnings small. • Celebrate His faithfulness: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19). |
    |