Perspectives on mission in the book of Zechariah

Authors

  • O'Kennedy F Daniel Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7832/41-3-37

Abstract

The prophetic book of Zechariah is often neglected when studying the mission of God and his church. Zechariah originated during the post-exilic era in Jerusalem and there are many similarities between this community and the post-apartheid community in South Africa. There are several references to “nations” and “peoples” in Zechariah, but most of them refer to God’s judgment against the nations. This article focuses on three key missionary passages namely Zechariah 2:11 (15), 8:20-23 and 14:16. The prophet visualises a faith community where the other nations will come and join them to experience the presence of God. Zechariah 2:11 uses covenantal language and emphasises that many nations “shall be my people.” Churches struggle to attract non-believers in our time. The study of Zechariah can help the church to be more missional so that non-believers will utter the words of Zechariah 8:23: “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

Author Biography

O'Kennedy F Daniel, Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch

Dr. Daniel O’Kennedy is researcher and part-time lecturer in Old Testament, Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch. He is also a full-time pastor at the DRC Church Helderberg, Somerset West. He can be contacted at danieok@nghelder.co.za.

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Published

2014-12-01

How to Cite

Daniel, O. F. (2014). Perspectives on mission in the book of Zechariah. Missionalia: Southern African Journal of Missiology, 41(3). https://doi.org/10.7832/41-3-37

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Articles

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