27 August 2008 Devotion for Today Quid Pro Quo Zechariah 1:1-4

My study of Latin is very rudimentary. I asked someone one time what does the term Status Quo mean? He said, "Its Latin for the 'mess that we are in.'" There's another Latin phrase I am curious about: Quid Pro Quo. Quid Pro Quo has been carried over as a legal term in English which basically means a mutually agreeable contract in which both parties are satisfied on the basis: You do something for me and I will do something for you. Many agreements exist like this, especially in real estate where the terms are specified on this basis.

While Gods love is unconditional, as well as His grace, it may be said that there are a few quid pro quo agreements concerning Gods relationship with man. The prophet Zechariah identified at least one in the outset of his prophesy. Zechariah was a second-generation Jewish exile living in Babylon when God called him. He was also a third-generation prophet- the grandson (or son) mentioned also in he Book of Nehemiah who had returned with the exiles to minister to them after the Temple was reconstructed in the last decade of the 4th century before Christ. Zechariah's name means The Lord Remembers, and indeed Zechariah lives up to his name; remembering the Word of the Lord and what it said to their fathers and grandfathers generations: if you obey Me and do My commandments, I will bless you and do something for you.

In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came ?to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, "The Lord has been very angry with your fathers. " Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.But they did not hear nor heed Me, says the Lord. Zechariah 1:1-4

This passage shows us that God is ever willing to be in agreement with us; even when we are not agreeable. Ever mindful in Zechariah's prophecy was the utter destruction reigned down upon the country because of their disobedience. It would be the ultimate tragedy to have learned nothing from the experience of exile for which they had suffered so long. Zechariah needed to remind them of this, for a new generation was now growing up in the newly restored homeland- a generation that did not have the memory of the former Temple destruction, captivity, or deprivation. With every new generation, God must announce His message to those who have little memory of how He has worked in the past.


What is God doing now that you will want remembered by your children or grandchildren? Can you see where Gods Quid Pro Quo is in effect?