Zechariah 10:1-3, 6 (ESV)

[1] Ask rain from the LORD

in the season of the spring rain,

from the LORD who makes the storm clouds,

and he will give them showers of rain,

to everyone the vegetation in the field.

[2] For the household gods utter nonsense,

and the diviners see lies;

they tell false dreams

and give empty consolation.

Therefore the people wander like sheep;

they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd.

[3] “My anger is hot against the shepherds,

and I will punish the leaders;

for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,

and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.

[6] “I will strengthen the house of Judah,

and I will save the house of Joseph.

I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,

and they shall be as though I had not rejected them,

for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.

Three truths stand out in this chapter. First, God’s tender love for his people. He will not leave them. He has not abandoned them. All they need to do is call. He is ready to answer. They have been under discipline, but they need to understand that despite the discipline, he loves them. God will provide the Spring rains when they are needed. All they need to do is ask. The same is true of us, as believers in Jesus Christ. God promised that he will never leave us. Because of his love, he will rebuke and chasten us, but he will never abandon us. He is always as close as a prayer.

Second, God’s anger at the leaders of his people. Israel’s and Judah’s kings and priests had failed to lead them well. They had served for their wealth and comfort rather than the best interest of the people, and the purposes of God. If we have influence in the lives of others, then we are leaders. If we are leaders, then we need to regularly examine why we lead. Are we in it for our own prestige, our own comfort and wealth, or our own sense of importance? Then we are leading for the wrong reason, and we will answer to God. He is not pleased with leaders to lead his people wrongly.

Third, God’s purpose and plan. As hopeless as Judah appeared, as weak and insignificant as she was, God had a plan, and he intended to accomplish his purpose. He has a purpose and plan for us as well. When we look at our churches, our resources, and our opportunities, we may feel insignificant. But, there are no insignificant people or ministries in God’s kingdom. He has a plan and he will accomplish his purpose. Time and again throughout history, right up to today, God has continually used the insignificant things of this world to literally change the world.

So, what do we do with this? God tenderly loves his people. The leaders of God’s people will answer to him for how they lead. God will accomplish his purpose through his people. Maybe it is as simple as saying, “Okay God, I’ll trust you even though I can’t see how anything good can come of this.” Let me suggest three applications. First, let’s begin faithfully asking for the “Spring rains,” the blessing of God on our ministries. Second, let’s search our hearts before God concerning our leadership. Let’s make sure our motives and influence are in synch with his. Third, let’s choose to trust him when we cannot see any way through the darkness. He is God. If he can create everything out of nothing, then he can do amazing things through insignificant people.