Bible Pathways - Sept. 28, 2006

Zechariah 1

In Today's Scripture Reading:

High priest resisted; Zechariah's visions of the candlestick (lampstand), flying scroll, four chariots; disobedience resulting in captivity

Zechariah foretold the glorious promise of the presence of God when the Israelites would be inspired to sing and rejoice . . . for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD (Zechariah 2:10).

The Lord spoke through Zechariah who prophesied the restoration of the Jewish nation; he also declared: Many nations (people of every nationality) shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be My people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee (2:11).

Often 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 unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain (authority)? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain (4:6-7).

Zerubbabel, governor of Judah (Haggai 1:1), had been told to rebuild the Temple. Joshua (not Joshua of the conquest) was the high priest (Zechariah 3:1). These two are types foreshadowing our Lord as both king and priest (Matthew 2:2; Hebrews 5:1-10).

The work of God is not accomplished by might, nor by power, meaning not merely by human intelligence, zeal, or finances, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is indispensable in living a true Christian life or accomplishing the will of God. The Man whose Name is The BRANCH (Jesus Christ) . . . Even He . . . shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. . . . And they that are far off shall come and build in the Temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent Me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God (Zechariah 6:12-13,15).

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He (Jesus) expounded (explained) unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:13-27).

Christ Revealed:

As My Servant the BRANCH (Zechariah 3:8). Christ was brought into the world in the fulness of the time (Galatians 4:4), and took upon Him the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). But He will soon return as the righteous Branch to reign as King (Jeremiah 23:5).

Word Studies:

1:15 helped forward the affliction =b> increased and aided the disaster; 1:19 horns =b> world powers; 1:21 fray =b> terrorize; 3:5 mitre =b> turban; 5:1 roll =b> scroll, books, including God's Word, were written on parchment or skins then rolled up.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton; and The Arabic Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Carol McGowan · Staff: Mary Kay Wagner Government Official: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (NY) Country: Moldova (4 million) southeastern Europe Major languages: Rumanian and Russian Limited religious freedom 66% Romanian/Russian/Bulgarian Orthodox; 3% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself, pray, and seek the will of God as you read His Word (II Chronicles 7:14).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 103:13