Bible Pathways - Sept. 29, 2008
September 29
Highlights In Today's Reading:
God's judgment on neighboring nations is reported (Chapter 9). A forecast of the restoration of God's scattered people is assured in Chapter 10. Best of all, exciting prophecies of the first coming of Christ are foretold in Chapters 9-11. In Chapters 12-14 is the underlying prophetic connections of the 2nd coming of Christ. P.T.L.
Behold, thy King cometh abounds in every chapter of Zechariah's prophecy (9:9). His prophetic message was far more than words of comfort and encouragement to the returned exiles. It was a message of hope for mankind, foretelling the coming King of kings: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Five hundred and fifty years passed and it became a reality. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem sitting upon an ass (Matthew 21:1-11). This was His formal presentation as King to His loyal supporters and the common people.
But Zechariah also foretold of a time when the King will return and the Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). The glory of the Messiah's reign looks beyond the restoration of the Jewish nation to the King Himself, at whose second coming many nations shall be joined to the Lord (2:10-11). Earthly kings of even the smallest kingdom demand to be served; but the King over all the earth is presented as the Lord's Servant (3:8). Jesus, the Messiah King, made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7).
Israel soon will recognize its Messiah as Zechariah foretold: I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26-27).
You and I have the wonderful privilege of living after the fulfillment of our Lord's earthly ministry and in the expectation of His soon return to be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). And all who have repented of their sins, confessed Christ as their Savior, and made Him Lord of their lives will then reign with Him. It is wonderful to know the forgiveness of sins and have the assurance of soon being with the King of kings face to face.
Jesus promised: If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself (John 14:3).
Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus (I Thessalonians 1:9-10).
Thought for Today:
When Jesus returns, we need to be found becoming more like Him and not trying to do “just enough” to get inside the gate.
Christ Revealed:
As King and as a Servant sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 9:9; 11:12). They covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).
Word Studies:
8:2 was jealous . . . with great jealousy =b> loved with great protective love; 10:3 goats =b> civic and political leaders; 10:8 hiss =b> signal; 11:7 Beauty and Bands =b> two shepherd's staffs; 14:9 His Name One =b> Jesus will be recognized and reign as God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Reta Martin • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Joseph Donnelly (IN), Rep. John McHugh (NY) and Sen. Bill Nelson (FL) • Country: Guinea-Bissau (1 million) on the western coast of Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Criolo • Religious freedom • 51% animist; 42% Muslim; 6% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Psa. 25:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: James 5:10
