TODAY’S READING: ZECHARIAH 9-14
OVERVIEW:
Zechariah’s first “burden” or oracle, emphasizing Christ’s first coming (Zech. 9:1–11:17); Zechariah’s second “burden” or oracle, emphasizing Christ’s second coming (Zech. 12:1-14:21).
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
The Bible is the most incredible history Book the world has ever seen. Obviously, it’s a thousand times more than just that, but in terms of history, it is in a class totally by itself. No other history book in the world even dares write about events that haven’t yet taken place! (See Isaiah 42:9; 46:9-10). Back in the 1950’s people worried about “red power”. In the 1960’s and 70’s, it was “black power”. In the 80’s it was “white power”, and the 90’s it was “yellow power”. Now that we’ve moved into the 21st century, it seems people are worried about all of the above!
Actually, there is only one power to which the world really needs to concern itself, and that is “Jew power”! And the fact is, as the prophet Zechariah reveals, even if all of the nations of the world combined military forces and together converged uponIsrael(which is exactly what is going to happen at the infamous Battle of Armageddon!), it still wouldn’t (won’t) be enough to stop them! Not necessarily because their military power and prowess is so great, but becauseIsrael’s coming King is so great, and so infinitely powerful!
People spend a lot of time wondering:
- What will ultimately come of the conflict in theMiddle Eastbetween the Arabs and Jews?
- Will the Jews actually be able to hold their land and their beloved city ofJerusalem?
- What nation will ultimately be the world power when all of the dust from 9/11 settles, and the war on terror is over? Will it be theU.S.? Russia? China?
With the prophecies revealed through Zechariah there is no wondering necessary. Zechariah emphatically says that Jerusalem will stay in the hands of the Jews, their borders will be established according to God’s specific design, and after the military rampage of the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming, Israel will dominate the world under the rule of their Messiah and King, the Lord Jesus Christ! At that time, Isaiah 9:7 will be a reality: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to established it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. (And you gotta love this next line —) The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Also see Luke 1:32b-33).
The remainder of the Book of Zechariah is broken down into two different oracles that God calls “burdens” (9:1; 12:1), against specific nations. In 9:1-8, Zechariah describes the judgment that would come againstIsrael’s neighbors. We now know that this passage is actually describing the conquest of the Greek general, Alexander the Great. Though Alexander would conquer many cities, one city he did not destroy wasJerusalem!
In striking contrast to the judgment pronounced onIsrael’s neighbors, God promised His people a King whose worldwide reign would establish the world in peace (9:8-10). Rather than this King making His entrance intoJerusalemon a regal charger (first coming), Zechariah saw Him on a lowly donkey “beast of burden” (Matt. 21:4-5; John12:12-16). What would be the outcome? Zechariah tells us in11:12, He would be sold for the price of a slave (Matt. 27:3-10); He would be arrested and smitten (Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31); He would be wounded in the house of His friends (Zech. 13:6; Matt. 26:47-50); and would be pierced on the cross (Zech. 12:10; John 19:32-37). Ironically,Jerusalem, the city ofPeace, crucified its King, the Prince of Peace.
Keep in mind that Zechariah prophesied a full 500 years before Christ’s first coming and yet every detail of Zechariah’s prophecy concerning Christ’s coming came to pass exactly the way he said they would. What does that tell you about Zechariah’s prophecies concerning Christ’s second coming? You can bank on it; they’re all going to come to pass with the same impeccable precision!
The glory that Zechariah describes as he brings his prophecy to a close is hard to put into words. He provides and awe-inspiring panorama of what God has in store forIsrael“in that day” (note that that phrase appears no less than 15 times in chapters 12-14 alone!).
- From a topographical standpoint, Zechariah says theMount of Oliveswill split in two when Christ sets foot on it at His second coming (Zech. 14:4; Matt. 24:3).
- From a military standpoint, Zechariah says that all the nations that mess withIsraelwill be obliterated (Zech. 12:9; Rev. 16:14-16;19:19-21).
- From a spiritual standpoint, all of the godless idols and false prophets and spirits will be removed from the land (Zech. 13:2-3). From a political standpoint, Zechariah says that the Lord Jesus Christ alone will be King of the entire earth (Zech. 14:9)! And that my friend, is why it is called “the day of the Lord”! It’s the “day” the Lord set apart unto Himself and blessed way back in Genesis 2:1-3, and the day to which all of humanity is pointing. It’s that glorious day when His Son finally receives the glory that is due His name. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev.22:20).
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
The COMING KING – Zech. 9:9 (Matt. 21:4-5).
The ONE SOLD FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER – Zech.11:12(Matt. 27:3-10).
The ONE WOUNDED BY HIS FRIEND – Zech 13:6 (Matt. 26:47-50).
The ONE WHO WAS PIERCED – Zech.12:10(John19:32-37).
The SMITTEN SHEPHERD – Zech. 13:7 (Matt. 26:31).
The LORD WHO WILL RETURN TO THEMOUNT OF OLIVES– Zech. 14:4 (Matt. 24:3)