The Call to Worship: A Covenant of Blessing
"And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain." - Zechariah 14:17
**Introduction**
The verse from Zechariah 14:17 (KJV) reads: "And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain." This passage, though contextually rooted in a specific time and place, carries profound significance for all believers today. It highlights the essential nature of worship and the consequences of neglecting this divine call.
**The Call to Worship**
In this prophetic vision, Zechariah presents a future where the nations of the earth are summoned to worship the true King, the Lord of Hosts. Worship is not merely an act performed out of obligation; it is a recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness. When we come to worship, we acknowledge our Creator's worthiness and respond to His love and grace. God desires a relationship with us, and worship is our means of engaging in that relationship.
The specific mention of Jerusalem as the focal point of worship serves as a reminder of God’s chosen city, where His presence resided in the Temple. Jerusalem is symbolic of God's covenant with His people; it is the place where heaven touches earth. In the New Testament context, this transformed into the understanding that all who believe in Christ become part of a spiritual Jerusalem—a community of worshipers. In John 4:24, Jesus emphasizes that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, pointing to the essence of worship being more than physical location but rather an attitude of the heart.
**Consequences of Disobedience**
The latter part of Zechariah 14:17 presents a stark warning: "even upon them shall be no rain." Rain in Scripture is often symbolic of God’s blessing and provision. In an agricultural society, rain represents life and sustenance. To withhold rain was a sign of divine judgment, illustrating the seriousness of failing to respond to God's call and to seek His face through worship. When we choose to turn away from worship, we step into a barrenness that can affect not just our spiritual lives but all aspects of our existence.
As modern believers, this warning serves as a poignant reminder that neglecting worship can lead to spiritual drought in our lives. We may not experience physical drought as the ancient Israelites did, but when we remain distant from God, we may find ourselves in a place of spiritual emptiness, dissatisfaction, and lack of joy. Just as rain nourishes the earth, worship nourishes our soul, replenishing our spirit and drawing us closer to the heart of God.
**The Blessing of Fulfilling Our Purpose**
Conversely, when we come together to worship, we invite God’s presence into our lives and communities. Worship transforms us; it adjusts our perspective and aligns our hearts with God’s will. It allows us to experience His love, grace, and mercy in profound ways. In Philippians 4:19, we are reminded that "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." When we prioritize worship, we are acting upon our faith, knowing that God provides abundantly as we honor Him.
**Conclusion**
In Zechariah 14:17, God calls not just the Israelites but all the families of the earth to worship Him. This divine invitation carries with it the promise of blessings poured out upon those who respond. Worship is essential; it is our lifeline to God and our source of strength. Let us not turn away from this call, for in doing so, we risk spiritual drought and barrenness.
Today, reflect upon your own commitment to worship. Are there distractions that lead you away from this divine encounter? Make a conscious choice today to come before the Lord, not only in corporate gatherings but in your daily life. Seek Him daily, allowing His Spirit to fill you and His blessings to flow into every area of your life. As you worship, anticipate the rain of His blessings that will nourish your heart, soul, and spirit.
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Zechariah 14:17 - "And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain."
"And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain." - Zechariah 14:17
Zechariah 14:9
Zechariah 6:14 - "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
Zechariah 12:14 - "All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."
Zechariah 4:14 - "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 14:14 - "And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
Zechariah 14:19 - "This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
Zechariah 14:15 - "And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague."
Zechariah 14:3 - "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
Zechariah 9:17 - "For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids."
Zechariah 8:17 - "And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD."
Zechariah 14:20 - "¶ In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
1 Chronicles 26:14 - "And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward."
Zechariah 14:7 - "But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light."
2 Chronicles 17:7 - "¶ Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah."
Zechariah 14:18 - "And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."
"All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart." - Zechariah 12:14
2 Chronicles 20:14 - "¶ Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;"
Zechariah 8:14 - "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:"
Zechariah 9:14 - "And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south."
"Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." - Zechariah 4:14
"And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD." - Zechariah 6:14
"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:" - Zechariah 14:6
Zechariah 1:14 - "So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy."