“Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 1:3 ESV).
Zechariah, a prophet sent by the LORD in the post-exilic period, addressed a people who had already returned from Babylon to Jerusalem and begun the work of rebuilding the temple. Outwardly, they were back where God had promised them to be. Inwardly, however, their hearts had not fully turned back to the LORD. Through Zechariah, the LORD of hosts clarified the true issue: the call was not to return to a city, a structure, or even a religious task, but to return to Him. Their fathers had ignored this same call and experienced covenant judgment, culminating in exile (Zech. 1:4–6). Yet the LORD’s word came with grace as well as warning. He promised that if His people would return to Him in repentance and renewed covenant loyalty, He would return to them with His presence and blessing. This opening summons established the central message of Zechariah’s prophecy—true restoration begins with a restored relationship with the LORD.
This word exposes a temptation we still face. We can return to religious routines, faithful attendance, and visible service while our hearts remain distant from the LORD Himself. God’s concern is never satisfied with proximity to holy things if our hearts are far from Him. When our spiritual lives feel dry or stalled, the answer is not merely to rebuild habits or resume activity, but to repent and return personally to the Lord. He graciously invites us to come back to Him, assuring us that He stands ready to meet us with mercy and renewed fellowship (James 4:8). As we turn back to Him in humility and faith, we discover that the greatest blessing is not restored circumstances, but restored communion. For like the prodigal returning home, we find that the Father has been ready and waiting to restore us, faithfully calling us to return to Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You call us not merely to places or practices, but to You personally, to Yourself. Forgive us for focusing on lesser things. Turn our hearts back to You with sincere repentance and renewed love. Draw us near, and restore our joy by Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.