There is one resounding message throughout the book of Zechariah, and it is this: God has not abandoned His people.

We see this point come out in immediately in Chapter 1, verses 7 through 11. But, first, a little context: Do you know what the state of the Jews of Judah are right now? Look at verse 7. They are under Persian rule. Put another way: they have no temple; they have no legitimate city; and they have no king. By these standards, they have no hope, no purpose, and no future and, undoubtedly, they feel as if God has abandoned them.

Where is God? Has He forgotten us?

Have you asked these questions before? It is because of questions like this that God speaks in Zechariah 1.

Here, through a vision of a man mounted on a red horse. He is standing among myrtle trees in a glen, and behind him are more horses – some are dark chestnut, some are sorrel, better translated as chestnut, and some white horses. For me, this sight would be overwhelming and even majestic!

Upon seeing this sight, Zechariah asks the angel who is accompanying Zechariah through the visions, Zechariah says, “What are these? What does this mean?” Fair question. We are all probably wondering, “What does this mean?”

The answer is this: God has horsemen who patrol the earth.

To understand the imagery, we have to grasp the context of horses in the Persian Empire. You see, in the Persian Empire, mounted riders essentially comprised a nation’s communication system. You have to remember: this was way before the day of modern technology. They had no satellites, no planes, no internet, no telephones. The only way king and generals knew what was taking place was for spies and horsemen to quickly send messages across the Empire. Their horses kept them informed about all matters in the Empire.

So, with that background in mind, these horses that belong to Yahweh are patrol horses. They have been sent out across the world, and they have returned to the captain of Yahweh’s army. In other words, these horses of Yahweh have gathered information and have reported it back.

So, what does this mean?

It means that Yahweh knew about all the affairs and matters taking place across the world. God knew what was taking place through the Persian Empire. He knew what was taking place outside of the Persian Empire.

The eyes and ears of God are everywhere.

There is not a thing happening on earth that Yahweh does not know. Now, don’t be confused. God is using imagery to convey meaning to His people. It is not as if God really has horses that He depends upon. It’s not as if God has to wait for His angelic horses to know what is happening. Rather, God is using a familiar image for the Jews in Jerusalem to show that He knows infinitely more than the Persian king. God not only knows what is taking place in Persia, He knows what is happening around the entire globe. What a powerful statement!

For the Jews in Zechariah’s day who doubted God’s sovereignty, for those who questioned whether God had abandoned them, this vision of Yahweh’s horses tells them: God has not forgotten you, and one reason why is because He knows what is happening everywhere. If He knows the secrets and affairs in Persia, then God certainly knows what they are experiencing. He knows their pain, their hardships, their doubt, their fears. Yahweh knows it!

Christians, the same is true for us today.

Our God knows what is happening around the world. He doesn’t need America’s satellites to inform Him. His eyes and ears are everywhere. He knows what is taking place behind restricted North Korea. He knows what is happening on Mount Everest. He knows what is happening all the way down in the Mariana trench. God knows!

And hear this: God knows what is happening in your life.

He knows every detail of your life. He knows your past; He knows your hurts and confusions. He knows when you cry alone at night. He knows when you are scared about finances. He knows when you are worried about your job. He knows when you sin in private. He knows you! He knows you!

Please take comfort in that.

You are not forgotten by God. He has, as it were, angelic horses that report to Him based off everything you do. He knows you. Take comfort knowing that you are known by God Almighty. You are not forgotten. We can say that because Yahweh knows the secrets and affairs of the nations. Amen?

Learn more about the big picture in Zechariah here. (P.S. Free Infographic included!)