RTW 2022

They were to ask this question of the prophets and the priests at the Temple of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “Should we continue to mourn and fast each summer on the anniversary of the Temple’s destruction, as we have done for so many years?”
Zechariah 7:3

How long should we remember and mourn over our past? Should we do things to remember either our sins or the tragedies of the past?

Live in the forgiveness you’ve been given.

• If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
  1 John 1:9 (AMPC)

About Our Past

• Our past was meant to direct us, not define us.
  When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand-new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
  2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB)

• Our past should propel us toward our ultimate future, not hold us hostage in the past. (Visit, not live there)
  No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.
  Philippians 3:13-14 (TLB)

• Our past should renew our faith in God, not remind us of our sin, trials, and troubles.
  And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.
  Philippians 4:19 (TLB)

If we are gonna remember, let’s do so with:

• Gratitude: for His grace, mercy, and love
• Great hope: in His plan for our eternal future

… Not mourning, and fasting.

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So, I cared for the flock intended for slaughter—the flock that was oppressed. Then I took two shepherd’s staffs and named one Favor and the other Union.
Zechariah 11:7

“Favor [Beauty] symbolizes the favored status of Israel as the chosen people of God. Union symbolizes the internal harmony of the people that was lost at the time of the siege of Jerusalem.” – James Montgomery Boice

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Live with gratitude and great hope. Trade the sorrows and shame for the joy of the Lord. Make the trade.