Bible Pathway - Sept. 28, 2009
Sept. 28, 2009
Read Zechariah 1
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The future Jerusalem comforted (1:16-17) and restored (2:10). Satan ever accusing (3:1-2). Joshua, the High Priest, a foreshadow of Jesus, the BRANCH, the Source of all our spiritual blessings (3:8). Ten visions each interpreted by Scripture (chap. 4 — 6). False fast (7:5-6), true fast (7:8-10).
Zechariah foretold of a future time when the Son of God would be among the Israelites. He wrote: Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord (2:10). Zechariah foretold the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. He also saw beyond the restoration of the Jewish nation to the redemptive inclusion of all Gentiles who turn from their sins and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives.
Many nations 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).
It is usually when we come to the end of our resources and lose confidence in our own abilities that we learn to trust only in the Lord.
The work of God is not accomplished by might, meaning our strength, talents, zeal, attributes, or finances; nor is it by power, meaning human efforts; but it is only by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (4:6). The power of the Word of God, anointed by the Holy Spirit, is indispensible. This is the key that imparts faith and yields eternal results.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). It is of utmost importance that we diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God (Zech. 6:15). As we read His Word with a desire to do His will it always strengthens our faith.
There is a glorious revelation of Jesus as The Branch given by Zechariah. He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the Temple of the Lord (6:12). Jesus will build the Millennial Temple of which Isaiah and Ezekiel spoke, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a Priest upon His throne (6:13).
Difficulties are merely tests to help us recognize whether our faith is in ourselves and our resources or in the Lord.
All of those in the household of faith have received precious promises so that we are partakers of the divine nature through which we escape the corruption that is in the world (II Pet. 1:4).
Thought for Today:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).
Christ Revealed:
As My Servant the BRANCH (Zech. 3:8). Christ was brought into the world in the fulness of the time (Gal. 4:4), and took upon Him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). But He will soon return as the Righteous Branch to reign as King (Jer. 23:5).
Word Studies:
1:15 forward the affliction = heathen nations increased your afflictions beyond My intentions; 1:19 horns = world powers; 1:21 fray = terrorize; 3:5 mitre = turban; 5:1 roll = God's Word was written on parchment or skins then rolled up.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Miss Helayne Abrams • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA) • Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him (Ps. 37:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:4
