Bible Pathways - September 29, 2005

September 29

Read Zechariah 8 -- 14

In Today's Reading:

Restoration of Jerusalem promised; judgment on neighboring nations; Zion's future King and Jerusalem's future deliverance

Although his prophetic message was fulfilled centuries later, in great anticipation, Zechariah proclaimed: Rejoice greatly . . . shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon . . . a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus entered Jerusalem during the last week before His crucifixion. A very great multitude. . . . cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest (Matthew 21:8-9; also Isaiah 62:11). The cry of Hosanna (meaning save us ) was rejected by the jealous religious leaders who, instead, insisted that Jesus be crucified (Mark 14:1; 15:10,13).

Zechariah foretold details concerning Judas, Jesus' betrayer and his transactions with the religious leaders, saying: I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price (wages, reward); and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12). Jesus, the true King of kings, was rejected and betrayed for a mere 30 pieces of silver just as prophesied — the price of a mere slave (Exodus 21:32; compare Matthew 26:15). Israel will soon 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 (with a spear), and they shall mourn . . . as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn (son) (Zechariah 12:10; compare John 19:34; Romans 11:26-27).

Zechariah also foretold the end of our present sinful age: Behold, the Day of the LORD cometh. . . . I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle. . . . Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations. . . . And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east. . . . And the LORD shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:1-4,9).

We are all prone to waste time speculating on future events and to forget what Jesus said to His disciples when they asked: Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall . . . be witnesses unto Me . . . unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:6-8).

Christ Revealed:

As King (Zechariah 9:9; compare Mark 11:7-11; John 12:12-19); as a Servant sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; compare Matthew 26:15). His side, hands, and feet were to be pierced (Zechariah 12:10; compare John 19:34; 20:27); and Christ, the Great Shepherd, was to be smitten and His disciples scattered as sheep (Zechariah 13:7; compare Matthew 26:31,56; Isaiah 53:4).

Word Studies:

8:2 was jealous . . . with great jealousy = loved with protective love; 10:3 goats = civic and political leaders; 10:8 hiss = signal; 11:7 Beauty = Grace, Good Will; Bands = Unity; 14:9 His Name One = Jesus will be recognized and reign as God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer · Staff: George Kopchak · Government Officials: Rep. John McHugh (NY) and Sen. Bill Nelson (FL) · Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe · Major language: Portuguese · Limited religious freedom · 90% Roman Catholic; .75% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Numbers 14:13-19).

Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:14