We are in the month of Tammuz, the fourth month of the Jewish calendar which begins the summer season. The three months of the summer season is Tammuz, Av and Elul. One of the significant event happened on the 17th of Tammuz; the fast of the 4th month where Israel sinned by making the golden calf after they lost the vision of Moses and Joshua ever returning to the camp. The sin of Israel resulted in the breaking of the first set of tablets given to Moses by God. This very day begins a three-week period of mourning ending on the 9th Av which is the fast of the 5th month. The 9th Av commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd holy temple in Jerusalem by fire. These stories shows us that Israel's sin had consequences that resulted in their exile and destruction of the temple of God. They had lost their physical habitation and spiritual connection. These were days that one could only mourn and the Jewish people still practice the mourning of the destruction of their holy temple to this day. However, the prophet Zechariah narrates Israel's predicament and what the future holds for her and the nations that love her in the passage of the Book of Zechariah. Zechariah 8:14 says just as God had determined to bring disaster on Israel and showed no pity when her ancestors angered God, so now God has determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. It says further on, that the fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. God turns their mourning into joy. It says many nations and people will come to entreat the Lord's favor in Jerusalem because God blesses Israel and makes her a blessing to the nations. We see the restoration of Israel in our days and we see nations going up to Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. Israel will be a great blessing to the nations! Let us continue to stand with Israel to comfort and bless her in turn entreat the Lord's favor for our nation because God is with Israel. May our eyes see this important truth.
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