Bible Pathway - Sept. 28, 2012

Highlights:

Visions of Zechariah; warnings of Jehovah's displeasure: Joshua and Satan; visions of golden candlestick, flying roll, four chariots.

Then He answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabbel thou shalt become a plain (Zech. 4:6-7).

The foundation of the Temple that lay desolate for fourteen years was evidence of the exile's disobedience and lack of faith. Therefore, God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1) to proclaim His Word and to challenge them to finish rebuilding the Temple (Hag. 1:3-11). This time they ignored the threats of their enemies. And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered though the prophesying of Haggai . . . and Zechariah (Ezra 6:14).

The word mountain is a symbol of the great obstacles and powers that face Christians (Is. 40:4; 49:11; Dan. 2:35,45). But all the mountain-like obstacles can be overcome by steadfast faith when Christians put Christ and His Church first in their lives. We will be able to accomplish any task put before us by God. However, if Christ and His Church are not first in our lives, we will find things to be much more difficult. If we live in disobedience to the Word of God, it is next to impossible to have a fruitful life for God. We may still do the right things sometimes. However, we are acting in our own might. We need to allow God to rise up within us and work through us. He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).

Haggai and Zechariah proclaimed God's Word — the source of power by which any work of God is accomplished. It is not by might, nor by power (human effort), but as God's Word is quickened — made alive and real by the Holy Spirit, so that we act upon it (Zech. 4:6).

We must read and study God's Word continuously, over and over. This is how it takes control of our lives. The more we give ourselves to the Word of God, the more alive in our hearts it will become. The Word of God can then help us to have a Christ-like heart. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness (II Cor. 12:9).

Thought for Today:

God's Spirit can perfect His strength in the weakest believer.

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 helped forward the affliction, increased your afflictions beyond My intentions; 1:19 horns, world powers; 1:21 fray, terrorize; 3:5 mitre, turban; 5:1 roll, The Word of God was written on parchment or skins, then rolled up.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Doyle Foss • Staff: Kevin Jennings • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN) and Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA) • Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59.4 million) off the coast of western Europe • Major languages: English and Welsh • Religious freedom • 55% Anglican; 16% Catholic; 6% Other Protestant; 2% Muslim; .9% Sikh; .8% Hindu; .6% Jewish; .2% Buddhist; 10.5% Other; 5% Unaffiliated• Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for His mercy (Ps. 136:2).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:12