WEEK 40, DAY 278; TODAY’S READING: ZECHARIAH 9-14

OVERVIEW:

Zechariah’s first “burden” or oracle, emphasizing Christ’s first coming (9:1–11:17); Zechariah’s second “burden” or oracle, emphasizing Christ’s second coming (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 would even dare to 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”, the 90’s it was “yellow power”, and now that we’ve moved into the 21^st century, it seems people are worried about all of the above! But actually, there is only one power to which the world really needs to concern itself, and that’s what we might could call “Jew power”! The fact is, as the prophet Zechariah reveals, even if all of the nations of the world combined military forces and together converged upon Israel (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 Israel’s military power and prowess is so great, but because Israel’s coming King is so great and so infinitely powerful!

People in the 21^st century spend a lot of time wondering:

• What will ultimately come of the conflict in the Middle East between the Arabs and Jews?
• Will the Jews actually be able to hold their land and their beloved city of Jerusalem?
• What nation will ultimately be the world power when all of the turmoil in the world has been settled, and the war on terror is over? Will it be the U.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 glorious 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. 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 against Israel’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 was Jerusalem!

In striking contrast to the judgment pronounced on Israel’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 into Jerusalem on a regal charger (first coming), Zechariah saw Him on a lowly “beast of burden” or donkey. (Matthew 21:4–5; John 12:12–16) What would be the outcome? Zechariah tells us, in 11:12:

Ironically, Jerusalem, the city of Peace, 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. So, what might that tell us about Zechariah’s prophecies concerning Christ’s second coming?! They are 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 an awe-inspiring panorama of what God has in store for Israel “in that day”! (Note that that phrase appears no less than 15 times in chapters 12–14 alone!) From a topographical standpoint, Zechariah says the Mount of Olives will split in two when Christ sets foot on it at His second coming. (Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 24:3) From a military standpoint, Zechariah says that all the nations that mess with Israel will be obliterated. (Zechariah 12:9; Revelation 16:14–16; 19:19–21) From a spiritual standpoint, all of the godless idols, false prophets, and spirits will be removed from the land. (Zechariah 13:2–3) From a political standpoint, Zechariah says that the Lord Jesus Christ alone will be King of the entire earth! (Zechariah 14:9) That 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 history has been and is pointing! It’s that “glorious day” when God’s Son finally receives the glory that is due His name! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

The COMING KING — Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:4–5)

The ONE SOLD FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER — Zechariah 11:12 (Matthew 27:3–10)

The ONE WOUNDED BY HIS FRIEND — Zechariah 13:6 (Matthew 26:47–50)

The ONE WHO WAS PIERCED — Zechariah 12:10 (John 19:32–37)

The SMITTEN SHEPHERD – Zechariah 13:7 (Matthew 26:31)

• The LORD WHO WILL RETURN TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES — Zechariah 14:4 (Matthew 24:3)