His name the only name

His name the only name

Scripture: On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies to the east of Yerushalayim; and the Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, to make a huge valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. Zechariah 14:4

On that day, fresh water will flow out from Yerushalayim, half toward the eastern sea and half toward the western sea, both summer and winter. Then Adonai will be king over the whole world. On that day Adonai will be the only one, and his name will be the only name. Zechariah 14:8-9

Observation: In Zechariah 14, we see a powerful prophecy of the end times, when our Lord Jesus Himself will come back and rule as king over the whole world with Jerusalem as His capital. The Jews mistakenly expected Jesus’ first coming to be like that and were disappointed because they did not understand the Lord had to die first to prepare the way for salvation to be made available to all men. However, Jesus’ Second Coming will see this prophecy come to pass, and after the dust has cleared and Jesus’ kingdom established, the survivors of all the nations will come up annually to worship the King and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. If they do not come, they will have no rain.

In the first Scripture, the focus is on the Lord standing on the Mount of Olives and the Mount being split in half from east to west, making a huge valley. Job, even in his pain, prophesied that “My Redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand again upon the earth”. We too look forward to our Lord’s coming and the day He will stand upon the earth. The impact of the earthquake will be so great that it splits the Mount of Olives into two. How mighty our God is! Even a great mountain cannot stand before Him! Praise the Lord!

In the second Scripture, we see a picture of fresh water flowing out from Jerusalem in two directions, and in both summer and winter. The flowing of water symbolizes life, and our Lord Jesus will be king of the whole world! The Scripture says further that He will be the only one people will worship, and the only name people will call on. Now, there are still many who do not realize that there is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved, but in that day, everyone will know! As the Scripture says, one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Application: Meditate and know the fact that the Lord is coming again and He will stand upon the earth. Praise Him for His great power, that even mountains cannot stand before Him. Praise Jesus for the living water He gives us in the Holy Spirit. Pray that this living water will flow in both summer and winter, in both the good times and difficult times of our lives. Praise the name of Jesus, the only name by which men can be saved.

Prayer: Bless You O Lord Jesus for Your great power and strength and even now You prepare to come again just as Your Word has prophesied. Help us be ready O Lord. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to dwell deeply in us! Give us that living water that refreshes us and gives us life in both summer and winter. Praise Your great name Lord Jesus! There is no other name under heaven by which men can be saved. Let every knee bow and every tongue confess that You, Lord Jesus are Lord.

Refined like silver, tried like gold

Refined like silver, tried like gold

Scripture: And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13:9

Observation: There is a segment within the church these days that preach no more suffering for believers because Jesus has already suffered for us. This movement says that once one becomes a Christian, he is destined for an effortless life, full of grace and blessing.

However, a close study through the Scripture shows that suffering is very much a part of the Christian life, even in the New Testament. In the book of James, he exhorts the believers to consider it pure joy when they endure trials of many kinds, because the testing of their faith produces perseverance so that they may become mature and complete, not lacking anything.

In Hebrews, it is also written how the Lord chastens those he loves and should we be weary in the toils of the world, to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and is sat down at the right hand of God!

In the Scripture today, we see the description of the third part, the remnant being refined as silver is refined, tried as gold is tried. This refining process involves going through the fire, but the fire removes the impurities and brings forth pure silver or gold.

In life, the Lord sometimes allows us to go through suffering, but it is a process by which we become more and more like Him in maturity, in love, in dependence on the Lord.

Application: No matter what suffering we are going through and how tough life seems, look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. How much more He suffered. Instead, accept the situation we are in, and trust God that He is using it to make us better and stronger. As we are refined in the fire, we will come forth like gold.

Prayer: Praise You, O Lord, for good days and bad days, for times of pleasure, and times of testing. Help me O Lord and give me strength during the difficult times. Sustain me, and let my eyes always look to You, for You are my God and You will help me through the darkest valley, the darkest night, and I will come forth refined, like gold. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Spirit of grace and supplication

A Spirit of grace and supplication

Scripture: A prophecy: The word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, ….. : Zechariah 12:1

Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12:10

Observation: In the first Scripture, we see the introduction to the Lord’s prophecy concerning Israel, with particular focus on three characteristics of the Lord. Firstly, the Lord is the One who stretches out the heavens. Even just looking at the skies, we can’t help but wonder how great our God is to create something so vast and awesome - what more the expanse of the universe itself and the billions of galaxies invisible to the most powerful telescope. Secondly, the Lord is the One who lays the foundation of the earth. We tend to take for granted even the solidity of the ground we stand on. It is the Lord who holds land and matter in place by gravity, who gives His creation a stable ground by which they are able to live within order and purpose. Thirdly, the Lord is the One who forms the human spirit within a person. Each one of us has a spirit specially formed by God. It is fashioned out of God’s own spirit, and thus, we are created in His image. Man’s spirit is made to worship but will only find its true place when he worships the Almighty God Creator, our Heavenly Father, our Everlasting Lord!

The second Scripture reminds us that we are strong because the Lord Almighty is our God. We are not strong because of our own talents or ability. We are strong only because of God’s mercy and grace and generosity.

The third Scripture speaks of the Lord pouring out His Holy Spirit, describing Him as the spirit of grace and supplication (prayer). As God pours out His Spirit, He lavishes His grace, His unmerited favor upon us, blessing us with His presence. God’s Spirit not only blesses us but intercedes for us and through us in groans that cannot be expressed as the Scripture records. As the Holy Spirit indwells us more and more, we are able to likewise show grace to others and intercede for them.

Application: Praise the Lord for His great works, the beauty of the skies, the strength of the foundations of the earth, even for the spirit within us that He Himself formed. Know that we are precious for God made us, and breathed His Spirit in us. Always remember that we are strong because the Lord is our God, and not to be proud in ourselves.  All that we have, our abilities and opportunities come from God according to His grace. Ask God to pour forth His Spirit of grace and supplication more and more upon us, that we too may show grace and intercede for others.

Prayer: Praise You, Heavenly Father, for You created all things. The heavens are Yours, the foundation of the earth are Yours, even my spirit within me is Yours. Blessed be Your Holy name! Let me always remember O Lord that I am strong because You are my God! I am not weak, but strong in You! Pour forth Your Spirit more and more upon me, I pray, that I might receive more of Your grace. Teach me O Lord to pray for others through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

Favor and Union

Favor and Union

Scripture:

So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. Zechariah 11:7

And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord. Zechariah 11:13

Then the Lord said to me, “Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. Zechariah 11:15

Observation:

In Zechariah 11, the Lord directs Zechariah to act out a scene where he finds employment as a shepherd over a flock marked for slaughter. Zechariah’s role-play is symbolic of the state of Israel which has brought about the judgment of God whereby God no longer acts as a good shepherd over them.

In the first Scripture, we see how Zechariah takes two staffs. The first is named Favor or Grace and the other in called Union, Both staffs are broken, to show God removing His favor and peace from Israel. In the Psalms, it is written “how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity”. For us, when we enjoy favor and grace and peace with our family, we should realize it is a great blessing from God and not take it for granted. If we persist in sin like Israel, there may be a time when God removes His presence from us and that is where we will lose favor and peace.

In the second Scripture, Zechariah is asked to throw his wages of 30 pieces of silver to the potter. The price of 30 pieces of silver was not cheap, but it was the price of a slave, the lowest he could be paid. This shows how Israel did not value God. This Scripture also had incredible prophetic significance as later Judas Iscariot betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. After the Lord was condemned, Judas, in remorse, threw the money in the temple and went off to hang himself. This money, seen as blood money, could not be put in the temple treasury and was instead used to purchase the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. We should never fail to appreciate how truly precious and valuable our Lord is.

In the third Scripture, the Lord asks Zechariah to role-play again as a foolish shepherd. He is a shepherd that does not care for his flock but even feasts on the meat of the choice sheep. One of God’s judgments is to place above people wicked leaders. Some commentators have likened this foolish shepherd to the Anti-Christ which is to come. Good leaders are so important. We need to pray often to God to bless our church, our company, our state and nation with good leaders.

Application: Thank God for the favor and grace and peace that He bestows upon us. Pray that God will continue to grant us unity in our family, in our church, in our work, in our ministry for with unity, comes peace and harmony. Declare our adoration for our great God, who is more precious than silver, more valuable than gold. Pray to God to give us good leaders and bless our leaders with righteousness and wisdom.

Prayer: Thank You, Heavenly Father for Your great favor and grace and peace that You bestow upon us. Grant us unity O Lord, in our family, our church, our work, our ministries. Praise You, O Lord, for Your greatness and faithfulness. You are more precious O Lord than silver, more valuable than gold. Nothing on earth can compare to You, O Lord. Blessed be Your Holy name. Grant us good leaders, we pray, in our nation, our church, our workplace, our home. Bless them with righteousness and wisdom, that we too will be blessed under them. Praise be Your name forever O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Rain in the springtime

Rain in the springtime

Scripture:

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;
    it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms.
He gives showers of rain to all people,
    and plants of the field to everyone. Zechariah 10:1

From Judah will come the cornerstone, 
    from him the tent peg, 
from him the battle bow, 
    from him every ruler. Zechariah 10:4

I will strengthen them in the Lord
    and in his name they will live securely, ”
declares the Lord. Zechariah 10:12

Observation:

The first Scripture beckons us to ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. It is the Lord who sends rain that gives life to people and crops and animals. Rain has always been precious in Scripture, especially in the agrarian economies of those days. Without rain, there would be no crop, no income. In terrible droughts, no rain would even mean death. When we think of rain, we think of blessing, we think of life. It is God alone who gives us blessing and life. How we need to hope in him!

In the second Scripture, we see a prophecy concerning our Lord Jesus. He is the cornerstone that is the foundation of the whole church. Without the cornerstone, the whole building crumbles. The tent peg is a very important illustration. The word “Amen” in Hebrew gives us the meaning of support with the illustration of a tent pegged into hard solid ground. When we say Amen, we are declaring our complete trust and dependence on God our Helper!

The third Scripture focuses our attention on strengthening and security. The Lord strengthens us and enables us to live securely. We depend on the Lord for strength and security. It is in His name, Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider. It is in His name, El-Roi, the God who sees. He is our shelter and our strength!

Application:

Thank God from our hearts for all the lavish blessings he has given us. Thank God for even the rain on our land that gives us water and life. Even when things don’t go our way, meditate on how God so generously blesses us, even when we don’t deserve it!

Praise Jesus that He is our chief cornerstone, the whole purpose and meaning of our Christian lives. Let us never forget its all about Jesus! Amen! Let us say Amen! Praise the Lord! Let us declare our complete trust and dependence on God our Savior.

Pray to the Lord to strengthen us, and to help us live securely. It is God who watches over us and keeps us safe. It is God who strengthens our hands and helps us accomplish all that we have set out to do. Praise His name!

Prayer:

Thank You O Lord, for Your generous and lavish blessings upon me. Forgive me O Lord, for the times when I have complained and failed to appreciate Your goodness. Continue to send Your rain on my land O Lord, even the spiritual rain of Your Spirit! Praise You, Lord Jesus, for You are my chief cornersone, my reason and purpose in life! Never let me forget You, O precious Lord. Heavenly Father, strengthen me I pray, and help me live securely in the shadow of Your wings. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Like jewels in a crown

Like jewels in a crown
Scripture:
But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people,for now I am keeping watch. Zechariah 9:8
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you,  righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  Zechariah 9:9
The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land  like jewels in a crown.  Zechariah 9:16
Observation:
In the first Scripture, we see a description of the Lord encamped at His temple, guarding it against marauding forces, diligently keeping watch. In the Psalms, it is written “Unless the Lord stands watch over a city, the watchmen stand guard in vain”. Our very bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ into our hearts. How comforting that the Lord watches over us and stands guard to protect us.
In the second Scripture, we see the prophecy that was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey during Palm Sunday! We might be having a bad day, but remember, we are called to rejoice, for we have a great king! And our king is not proud and arrogant and unapproachable. He is gentle, and humble, and always willing to listen to us, may His great name be praised!
In the third Scripture, we see the promise that the Lord will save his people as a shepherd saves his flock. The Lord is our shepherd – this image is repeated many times in Scripture. We are also so precious to Him that we are likened to jewels in a crown. We should never look down upon ourselves as we were purchased by His precious blood!
Application:
Praise God that He encamps around us to protect us and keep us safe. Even in troubling moments, believe God is for us, always protecting us! Remember to rejoice often! Even when we don't feel like it, remember that Jesus is our Great King and praise Him with great joy! Know that Jesus is kind and humble. Thank Him for His gentle characteristics and come to Him like a little child. Praise Him that He is our Good Shepherd, guiding us like a shepherd guides his flock. Declare that we are precious in Jesus! To God, we are like jewels in a crown, praise His holy name!
Prayer:
Praise You O Lord,for You are our Great Protector. You stand watch over us by day and by night. You will protect us and keep us safe from harm always. Let my soul rejoice in You, Lord Jesus,for You are my Great King, Holy and Victorious! Praise You O Lord, for Your gentleness and humility and care for us lowly ones. Guide us O Lord,for You are our Good Shepherd. Praise You,O Lord, that even when we were without value, You saw us as precious jewels. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Blessed to be a blessing

Blessed to be a blessing

Scripture:

 This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain. ” Zechariah 8:3

“The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong. Zechariah 8:12-13

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 8:16-17

Observation:

In the first Scripture, we see the Lord’s promise concerning Jerusalem, how He will return and stay there with His people. Our God is not a distant God, who is too busy to care about us down here on earth. His eyes are always on us, and He is always concerned for us. He is a relational God who loves to be with us, His people, and one day, when He restores all things, He will come down and stay together with us. How wonderful!

In the second Scripture, we see great blessings from God upon His people – fruitfulness and rain and dew. Instead of being a curse, Judah and Israel will become a blessing.  In our Lord Jesus Christ, we too have that blessed destiny, not to be cursed but to be a blessing. We are never meant to hoard up blessing for ourselves, but to bless others freely as we are blessed.

In the third Scripture, we see God’s command to His people to speak truthfully to each other and act justly. They are told not to intend evil or lie. As we grow in God, let us continue to seek truth and justice in our lives, and shun lies and evil plotting.

Application:

Praise God for His great love for us. Praise Him that He is a God who cares, who loves to be with us, and who will one day stay with us. Believe that in Christ, we are blessed and not cursed. On the cross, He took our curses that we might receive His blessing, and we are blessed not just for ourselves, but to be a blessing. Recognize that God desires us to be truthful and just and to shun away from lies and ill-intention towards others.

Prayer:

Praise You, Heavenly Father for You love us so much, and it is Your will to dwell with us. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that in You, I am blessed and free from curse. Let me be a blessing to others O Lord, just as you bless me! Help me be truthful and just always in my dealings, and lead me away from lies and evil intentions towards others. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Was it for Me?

Scripture:-

“Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests. Tell them, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months throughout these seventy years, were you really fasting for me? Was it for me? Rather, when you eat and drink, it’s just to please yourselves, isn’t it? Zechariah 7:5-6

“In the past the Lord Almighty said, ‘Administer true justice. Let everyone show mercy and compassion to his brother. Don’t oppress widows, orphans, foreigners or poor people. Don’t plot evil against each other.’  But they wouldn’t listen, they stubbornly turned their shoulder away and stopped up their ears, so that they wouldn’t have to hear it. Zechariah 7:9-11

Observation:- In the first Scripture, we see a message from the Lord through Zechariah challenging the people “all your fasting and mourning and ceremony – was it really for Me, or is it just to please yourselves?” Today, many of us go to church, give lip service at worship, grudgingly give some offering, and try to stay awake during the sermon, even serve a little here and there, but the Lord asks the same question of us. Are you really doing all that you are doing for Me? Are we doing what we are doing just out of a sense of duty? Have we forgotten the main purpose of our Christian lives? Was it for God? Was it for Jesus? Or just to please ourselves? Our relationship with God always comes first. If we don't have a heart that sincerely wants to please God, to know Him, to love Him, all that we do is meaningless and a dreaded duty, a form of religion without true meaning.

In the second Scripture, the Lord reminds us of what is important to Him. The administration of true justice. People showing love and compassion to each other. People caring for the poor and needy, even the foreigners in their midst. Throughout Scripture, the Lord has always had a deep concern for the poor and needy,the marginalized and weak. In our country, there are many foreigners. Many of us treat them like a scourge, unwanted, and undesired. Did we know that the Lord loves them too?

Application:- Desire in our hearts to tell God – what I do, Lord, I really do it for You. It is You I seek.It is you I long to please. Examine our attitudes in regard to the poor and the alien in the land. Ask God for a heart of love and compassion for them, regardless of race, religion or nationality.

Prayer: Praise You, Father in Heaven, for Your great love to me. O Lord,let all I do,really be for You. This is the desire in my heart! I don't want to go to church as a duty, or serve You out of obligation. I really want to do all I do for You, O Lord. Give me a new heart, a new Spirit in You, I pray. Give me a heart of compassion like You have,Lord Jesus,to love even the poor, the marginalized, the alien in the land. You are Lord and God, worthy of all praise. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

The man whose name is the Branch

The man whose name is the Branch

Scripture: When the powerful horses went out, they were straining to go throughout the earth. And he said, “Go throughout the earth!” So they went throughout the earth. Then he called to me, “Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north.” Zechariah 6:7-8

Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord. It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’ The crown will be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord, and you will know that theLord Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.” Zechariah 6:!2-15

Observation: In the first Scripture, we see the vision of the four winds of heaven in the image of chariots with horses going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world. We see that these horses are powerful, and they have a strong compulsion to go throughout the earth. The winds are symbolic of the Holy Spirit that goes throughout all the earth, north, south, east and west to do God's will. The Lord is the Lord of the whole world. He holds everything and all history in His hands.

It was then written that those going towards the north country had given His Spirit rest. This could be in reference to the demise of the Babylonian empire resulting in a temporary reprief from concentrated wickedness that had been rife in that land. The lesson for us is that there are times of concentrated activity in our Christian lives for the Lord's work, and there are also times of rest where we can rest in the Lord's presence and grow quietly in Him.

In the second Scripture, the Lord instructs Zechariah to take silver and gold from some of the exiles who have arrived from Babylon and make a crown for Joshua son of Jozadak, effectively appointing him as King. He is given the name “Branch” or “Sprout”, and called to build the temple of the Lord and later to sit on the throne in majesty. Interestingly, Joshua will also be priest on the throne. The last time the priest and king of Jerusalem was one can be found in Genesis in Melchizedek. This vision actually foreshadows our Lord Jesus as the coming Branch who would build His church and act as both King and Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

It was further written that those from far away would help build the temple of the Lord. This prophecy is a reference to the coming of Gentiles (non-Jews) to come and participate in building the Lord's church.

The Scripture ends that all these would happen if the people diligently obeyed the Word of the Lord. In the Complete Jewish Bible, it is described as “heeding carefully what Adonai your God says”. Obedience was tied in to this prophetic blessing and is a reminder to us of the importance of being obedient and paying careful attention to what the Lord says. How do we know what the Lord says to us? Mainly by reading and knowing His Word and having a close relationship with Him.

Application: Praise God that He is God of the whole earth and has control over every country and place everywhere. Thank Him for the times of rest as well as the times of busyness, leaning on the Father's love to spur us on. Meditate on Jesus as the Branch. He is the vine,we are the branches that are connected to Him, and we must remain in Him for Him to remain with us. Meditate on Jesus being both our Priest and our King. He is our Master and Ruler, yet also our mediator, coming to God on our behalf as our advocate and Savior. Seek to know and listen to God's voice with the desire to follow what He says.

Prayer: Praise You, Heavenly Father,for You hold all things in Your hands, even the whole earth and everything in it.Thank You, O Lord,for the times of rest, and the times of busyness and for being with me always. Praise You,Lord Jesus. You are the great Branch from which all of us derive our meaning and purpose and life. You are our Great King yet also our Great Priest,interceding for us even when we do not know it! Teach me O Lord to listen to Your voice that I may obey You. In Jesus name,Amen.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit

Scripture: So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6

“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” Zechariah 4:9-10

Observation: The first portion of Scripture is a well known and favorite verse for many. It speaks first of the Word, followed by the Spirit. In every Christian’s life, the Word of God and presence of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to live victoriously in the Lord. We are called not to trust in human might or power, but by the Holy Spirit who is far more powerful than anything in all creation. Humanly, we have a tendency to trust in our own strength, intellect and efforts, but there is only so far we can go. When we move in the Spirit, God works and gives us wings of eagles to soar and glorify His name. The Holy Spirit is so important, and we really need to make our relationship with Him and dependence on Him a natural part of our lives.

The second portion of Scripture starts with a promise that just as Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the temple, he too would complete it.  Our God is a God who completes things and brings things to fruition. He does not leave things halfway done. Some of us may have started a project or initiative for the Lord, but stopped halfway because of discouragement. Do not give up, claim this promise for ourselves, that we too will complete what we started, like Zerubbabel. At this stage, with just the foundation of the temple completed, there is still a long way to go, and some may see it as only a day of small things. However, the Holy Spirit already rejoiced at the sight of the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel. This capstone is symbolic of our Lord Jesus, who has become the chief cornerstone. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, and rose again, the church started off with just a few disciples. Even then, it was a day of great rejoicing. In time, the church of Jesus Christ would grow to millions and reach people from every tribe and tongue and nation across the world.                                   

Application: Remember these words “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord”. Aim to grow strong in the Word of God, and to know and depend on the Holy Spirit more and more in our lives. Praise God that He will bring to completion the work He has begun in us. Remember that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the very foundation of our faith. Without Jesus, there is no faith, no meaning. Many times we may get too caught up even in church activities and forget its really all about Jesus first!

Prayer: Oh God, Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Precious Holy Spirit, open my eyes to love your Word and learn deep things from You. Let me live life not by my might or power but by Your Holy Spirit. Complete the work O Lord that You have begun in me. Let me always remember that my entire faith, my entire life, is always firstly about Jesus. May Your name be praised forever O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

I will put fine garments on you

I will put fine garments on you

Scripture: Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.

Zechariah 3:1-7

Observation: The passage today gives us a well known and interesting picture. Joshua the high priest is seen standing before the angel of the LORD, which many theologians interpret as being the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. Satan is there, the accuser of the brethren, viciously accusing Joshua. Then the Lord, (our Lord Jesus) rebukes Satan saying “Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”. Are all of us not burning sticks snatched from the fire?

Joshua is then described as wearing filthy clothes which are symbolic of our sins. Once the filthy clothes are taken away, Joshua’s sin was symbolically taken away, and a clean turban was put on his head and fine garments were given him to wear. This is a picture of our salvation. Because our Lord Jesus died for us, we are forgiven and set free from our filthy sins, and given new clothes, the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ to wear.

Right after that, the Lord gives charge to Joshua to walk in obedience and keep His requirements, promising him the reward of having authority in the Lord’s house and having a place among those in the Lord’s presence. This is also true of our salvation. After we are saved, we are not to just go back and live life the way we used to. Instead, we are to walk in obedience to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him by serving others. We are saved for a purpose, which is to serve God.

Application: Some of us are still plagued by guilt and hounded by accusations thrown at us by the enemy. Choose to see ourselves and wearing clothes of righteousness given by our Lord Jesus Himself. He has taken away our old filthy rags and given us His righteousness to wear, pure and white and holy. Thank God for this and ask the Holy Spirit to help us continue to walk in righteousness and purity.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that my sins are forgiven in Jesus name because of Jesus’ great sacrifice on the cross. I am made righteous even now, just as if I had never sinned. Help me O Lord continue to walk in righteousness, serving You by serving others. May Your great name be glorified forever. In Jesus name, Amen.  

Many nations shall be joined to the Lord that day

Many nations shall be joined to the Lord that day

Scripture: Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” Zechariah 2:10-13

Observation: In this Scripture, we see the Lord asking Jerusalem to rejoice because He is coming to dwell in her midst. It further says that many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day and become His people. This prophecy is talking about us! We as Gentiles who believe in the Lord are part of the nations who will become God’s people, and have God staying among us. The name “the Lord of Hosts” gives us a picture of the Lord coming with a huge army of angels. The Scripture further speaks of the Lord choosing Jerusalem again. When Jesus comes back during the Millenial reign, Jerusalem will be his headquarters and from there He will reign and judge the nations. The last verse commands all flesh to be silent before the Lord, telling us the need to be reverent.

Application: Think about how God has included us to be among His people and His promise to live among us. Let this knowledge bubble up within us with songs of joy. Imagine the Lord of hosts in our mind, powerful and coming with legions of angels. Praise God for His power and might! Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to Judah and Jerusalem. Spend some time in reverence and silence before the Lord.

Prayer: I will ever praise You O Lord, with great joy and delight in my heart for You have promised to include me among your people, and dwell with me, when You return. Your presence O Lord, is far more precious than anything in creation. Bless You O Lord, for You are the Lord of Hosts, great in mighty and power. Nothing can stand before Your might O Lord. You will deliver Judah and Jerusalem with Your mighty works. In deep worship O Lord, teach me to revere and honor You. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Lord spoke kind and comforting words

The Lord spoke kind and comforting words

Scripture: Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 1:3

So the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. Zechariah 1:13

¹⁶ “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 1:16

Observation: Zechariah was a contemporary with Haggai, and prophesied to the people during the Persian reign when Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple.

In the first Scripture, Zechariah proclaims the Lord’s words to the people that He will return to them if they return to Him. This is also true for us today. Some of us may have left the Lord for various reasons and become no longer close to Him. However, the call is the same, if we return to Him, to Jesus, He will return to us. He is faithful even when we are faithless, and He forgives all who return to Him.

In the second Scripture, Zechariah sees an angel asking God how long more Jerusalem will be left in ruins, and the Lord speaks kind and comforting words to the angel. In spite of Israel’s unfaithfulness, we can still see the Lord’s love and gentleness towards them. “Kind and comforting” reminds me of the words of Jesus “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”. Jesus was so kind and comforting that even little children were so comfortable with Him. As we come to God in humility, we can expect to find a wonderful kind, comforting, loving God.

In the third Scripture, Zechariah prophesies how the Lord will return to Jerusalem with mercy and speaks of the restoration of the temple. The picture of the measuring line being stretched out over Jerusalem tells us that the Lord will restore the whole city. Our God is a God of restoration. Even lives which are broken can be restored and made meaningful in Jesus.

Application: If we are away from the Lord, return! God is faithful and will return to us when we return to Him. Know that our God is kind and comforting, even like a mother to her newborn, like Jesus with little children. Even we view our lives as broken and have no hope, trust in God who is able to restore us and make our lives meaningful again.

Prayer: I will return to You, O Lord. In the time of Your favor, return to me and restore me. I praise You Lord for You are kind and comforting, gentle with Your children. I will ever trust in You, for You are the God who restores, who makes even broken things right again.  Bless You O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen