Bible Pathways 09/28/2003
September 28
Read Zechariah 1 -- 7
In Today's 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 you, says 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 you (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 to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain (authority)? before Zerubbabel you shall 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, says 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 you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God (Zechariah 6:12-13,15).
Zechariah foretold the rejection of Jesus, which led to His crucifixion, His second coming, and His millennial reign. After His resurrection, Jesus said to His disciples: Believe all that the prophets have spoken. . . . And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded (explained) to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:13-27).
Christ Revealed:
As My Servant the BRANCH (Zechariah 3:8), and later as the Man Whose Name is The BRANCH (6:12; also Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; Jerermiah 23:5; 33:15). Christ was brought into the world in the fullness of time, and took upon Him the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7; also Galatians 4:4; Matthew 12:14-18). But He will soon return as the righteous Branch to reign as King and do wisely (Jeremiah 23:5).
Word Studies:
1:15 helped forward the affliction = furthered the disaster; 1:19 horns = rulers, world powers; 1:21 fray = terrorize; 3:5 miter = turban; 5:1 roll = scroll.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Selma Tyler, Growing in Grace Prayerline Ministry · Government Officials: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (NY) and Rep. Steve Largent (OK) · Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies · Major language: English · Religious freedom · 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Remember that prayer changes things (James 5:16-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 15:4
