Read Zechariah 1
Highlights:
The future Jerusalem comforted (Zech. 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 the glorious promise of the presence of God when the Israelites would be inspired to sing and rejoice . . . for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord (Zech. 2:10). The Lord spoke through Zechariah who prophesied the restoration of the Jewish nation; he also declared: Many nations (people of every nationality) 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). Often we come to the end of our resources and lose confidence in our own abilities before we learn to trust in the Lord. It was at just such a time that an angel said to Zechariah: 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 (authority)? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain (4:6-7). The power of God was recognized by the centurion who came to Jesus and said: Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed (Matt. 8:8).
Zerubbabel, governor of Judah (Hag. 1:1), had been told to rebuild the Temple. Joshua (not Joshua of the conquest) was the high priest (Zech. 3:1). These two are types foreshadowing our Lord as both king and priest (Matt. 2:2; Heb. 5:1-10).
The work of God is not accomplished by might, nor by power, meaning not merely by human intelligence, zeal, or finances, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is indispensable in living a true Christian life or accomplishing the will of God. The Man whose Name is The BRANCH (Jesus Christ) . . . Even He . . . shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. . . . And they that are far off shall come and build in the Temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent Me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God (Zech. 6:12-13,15).
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He (Jesus) expounded (explained) unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).
Thought for Today:
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col. 4:2).
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 urban; 5:1 roll God's Word was written on parchment or skins then rolled up.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA) • Country: Cameroon (15 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: English and French • Pressure on Christians from authorities and Muslims • 28% Roman Catholic; 23% Muslim; 18% animism, divination, and animal sacrifices; 14% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: When you are afraid, have confidence in and rely upon the Lord (Ps. 56:3-4).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 2:12