Zechariah 9:12 Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

Because of verse 9, which was fulfilled on what is called Palm Sunday, one week before Jesus’ resurrection, (Luke 19:28-40) this passage is universally recognized as Messianic. However, about all we get generally from this verse is the “twice as much” statement, and we don’t really think very deeply about “twice as much what?” Something that comes to mind right now as I read this is that the oldest son, the heir, received “a double portion” compared with any other children. This is actually what Elisha was referring to when he insisted he wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit when Elijah was taken up to heaven: he wanted to be the heir. (2 Kings 2:9) What this verse in Zechariah is promising is that in the reign of the Messiah, those who have anchored their hope in God become heirs, and that will more than compensate for anything they have lost in any way because of their faith. When you think about it, that’s a pretty glorious promise! Jesus fleshed this promise out in answering Peter, in Matthew 19:29, and He upped the ante to a hundred times! As it says in Isaiah 28:16 (quoted by Paul in both Romans 9 and 10) someone who trusts God will never be dismayed, or put to shame.

I have certainly tasted the abundance of God’s faithfulness, even if my bank account hasn’t looked like it most of the time. I’ve gotten into trouble only when I’ve trusted, or put my hope in, something other than the Lord. He has grown my faith over the years, not so much with supernatural impartation but by incremental steps. Things that used to rattle me a lot don’t bother me nearly as much, though I still have plenty of room for more growth! A growing part of my job description at this point is imparting faith and hope to those who don’t yet have the personal track record to give them rock-solid assurance. I know I can’t do that in my own strength and wisdom, but I know from experience that God can use me to get that job done, so my responsibility is to be available actively, looking for opportunities for God to use me. That’s not to say that I’m to be pushy, but it is to say that I’m to be expecting such opportunities so that I won’t miss them. I have such opportunities frequently, most often on a one-to-one basis but sometimes with groups at a time. I am to strive to be in as close fellowship with the Holy Spirit as possible, so that I won’t miss a cue.

Father, thank You for the joyful privilege of being Your agent. There are times, when people are slow to receive, that I get tired. Forgive my weak faith! Help me be so committed and connected to You that Your grace flows through me unhindered, for the blessing of all I encounter and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!