Bible Pathways 9/28/2001
September 28
Read Zechariah 1 -- 7
Zechariah was led to write: Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord (Zechariah 2:10; compare John 1:14).
Zechariah foretold the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, His second coming, His millennial reign, and His teachings. When religious leaders rejected Jesus, He said to them: How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only? . . . For had you believed Moses, you would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me (John 5:44-47). Zechariah also saw beyond the restoration of the Jewish nation to include all Gentiles who turn from their sins in repentance and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. Many nations (Gentiles) shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people: and I will dwell in the midst of you (Zechariah 2:11).
Until Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns, there will be no peace on earth, including in the city of Jerusalem. Deception, violence, suffering, and chaos will continue to increase. Usually we come to the end of our resources and lose confidence in our own abilities before we learn to trust in the Lord. It was at just such a time that an angel said to Zechariah: This is the Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain (of human obstacles such as Syria, Babylonia, and Egypt)? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! (4:6-7). Through His prophet, the Lord assured His people that the mountain of suffering was intended to cleanse them from sin.
The work of God is not accomplished by might, nor by power, meaning our human strength, zeal, or finances; but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. The power of the Word of God, anointed by the Holy Spirit, is indispensable in living a true Christian life. This is the key that imparts faith and yields eternal results. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Zechariah also foretold a glorious revelation of Jesus as the Branch: He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the Temple of the Lord (Zechariah 6:12). Upon His return to earth, Jesus will sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a Priest upon His throne. . . . And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God (6:13,15). The word "if" here does not mean that Israel's failure, or the church's, will in any way impede God's plan for Christ's return -- that depends only on God Himself. But receiving His blessings is dependent upon personal obedience.
We are assured that all who remain faithful will receive from God the reward of overcomers. He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son (Revelation 21:7).
Christ Revealed: As My Servant the Branch (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12; also Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15). Christ was brought forth into the world in the fullness of time, and took upon Him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7; also Gal. 4:4).
Word Studies: 1:15 helped forward the affliction means furthered the disaster; 1:19 horns means world powers; 1:21 fray means terrorize; 3:5 mitre means turban; 5:1 roll means scroll.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (NY) and Rep. Steve Largent (OK) · BPM Staff: Barbara Ann Bivens · Pray for Sam Mason and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on Sound of Life, Lake Katrine NY · Country: Belarus (10 million) northeastern Europe · Major languages: Belarussian and Russian · Religious freedom · 48% Russian Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks always for fellow Christians (II Thessalonians 2:13-14).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 6:31
