June 5 – Zechariah 3:1-10

1Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. 2The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”

3Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.”

Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

5Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

6The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: 7“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.

8“ ‘Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. 9See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.

10“ ‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

What does it say?

Joshua’s filthy clothes were replaced with clean garments. Just as He took away Joshua’s sin, The Lord will remove Israel’s sins in a single day.

What does it mean?

In Zechariah’s fourth vision, Joshua was on trial before Christ as his Judge and Satan as his prosecutor. As high priest, Joshua symbolically represented Israel’s people; his filthy clothes were evidence of their guilt. The Lord’s willingness to forgive their sin erased any reason for accusations. Their guilt was replaced with His righteousness. By reinstating Israel as a nation of priests, God paved the way for His Servant, Branch, and Stone – the coming Messiah – to do in a single day what generations of sacrifices had been unable to do – cleanse God’s people completely of their sin guilt.

How should I respond?

Have you ever been so dirty that all you could think about was getting washed and put on clean clothes? That’s the same condition we are in spiritually until we accept God’s forgiveness and trade sin’s guilt for the cleansing and righteousness of Christ. Maybe you think you can gain favor with God by doing good things, but living a moral life won’t fare you any better than trying to obtain righteousness by observing the law as generations of Israelites attempted to do (Rom. 9:30-33). Have you allowed God to remove your “filthy clothes” with all their shame? If so, Satan has no grounds on which to accuse you! You can stand clean, righteous, and free of guilt before the Lord.

We would like to thank Thomas Road Baptist Church for providing this plan.

June 4 – Zechariah 2:1-13

1Then I looked up, and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2I asked, “Where are you going?”

He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is.”

3While the angel who was speaking to me was leaving, another angel came to meet him 4and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. 5And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’

6“Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the Lord, “for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven,” declares the Lord.

7“Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!” 8For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye— 9I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.

10“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord. 11“Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. 12The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

What does it say?

The Lord Himself will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and its glory within.

What does it mean?

Zechariah’s third vision was a preview of Jerusalem’s glorious future. Just think of how encouraging his words would have been at the time. Seventy years of captivity and 16 years of opposition to the rebuilding could easily have caused a defeatist mindset among this small group. God gave them a view of their city without rubble or strife. When the Lord lives among His people during the millennial reign of Christ, Jerusalem will not need to fortify her walls. His presence will be Israel’s protection and glory. The city boundaries they knew won’t be able to contain the blessings God would pour out.

How should I respond?

Scripture promises that the Christian’s eternal future is wonderful beyond description (1 Cor. 2:9). In the meantime, we live in a world full of temptation and opposition. If you shut out the world and wait for Christ’s return, you risk being so heavenly-minded that you’re of no earthly good. On the other hand, if all you see is the here and now, your days will be filled with dread. God’s promises encourage us to serve Him here, knowing that life will not always include heartache. As a believer, your eternal future starts by living daily in His presence now. Then one day, all strife will be replaced with unimaginable peace and joy.

We would like to thank Thomas Road Baptist Church for providing this plan.

June 3 – Zechariah 1:7-21

7On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo.

8During the night I had a vision, and there before me was a man mounted on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses.

9I asked, “What are these, my lord?”

The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.”

10Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the Lord has sent to go throughout the earth.”

11And they reported to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace.”

12Then the angel of the Lord said, “Lord Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?” 13So the Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.

14Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, 15and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’

16“Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty.

17“Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’ ”

Four Horns and Four Craftsmen

18Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns. 19I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these?”

He answered me, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.”

20Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. 21I asked, “What are these coming to do?”

He answered, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise their head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people.”

What does it say?

The Lord explained to Zechariah through a vision that He would show mercy and comfort to Jerusalem again.

What does it mean?

The world was at peace, but Israel was still in great distress. The predetermined time of discipline was over, and God’s people needed to experience renewed fellowship with Him. God’s reason for judgment was His deep love for Israel. He went to great lengths to preserve a remnant and protect His covenant. They would again experience His presence and flourish as a nation. God’s discipline would be replaced by His mercy, comfort, and favor. Even though the Gentile nations acted as God’s hand of judgment, they would answer for the extreme cruelty with which they treated His chosen people.

How should I respond?

Parents, teachers, and employers can benefit from God’s pattern of discipline. Start with a warning and clearly state the consequences if the unacceptable behavior continues. Do not make idle threats, be careful that the punishment fits the crime. Keeping your accountability to God will help you avoid being overly harsh. The motivation for disciplinary action should be love and concern for the relationships and people involved. Children need to be protected from the devastating consequences of foolish actions. Don’t dwell on past behavior when the time of discipline is over. Offer words and actions of comfort and move on.

We would like to thank Thomas Road Baptist Church for providing this plan.

June 2 – Zechariah 1:1-6

1In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo:

2“The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 3Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. 4Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. 5Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors?

“Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ ”

What does it say?

The Lord Almighty said, “Return to me and I will return to you.” Their forefathers did not listen to the prophets, so the Lord did to them just as their actions deserved.

What does it mean?

Like his older counterpart Haggai, Zechariah was among those whom Cyrus the Great allowed to return from captivity to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The foundation was laid, but the rebuilding had stalled for about 16 years. Although they had physically returned to Jerusalem, their hearts had not ultimately returned to God. As young Zechariah began his prophetic ministry, the Lord pointed out the consequences of their parents’ stubborn disobedience. As a result of the captivity, many of those listening had been born in Babylon. Now they had to choose whether they would follow their parents’ rebellious example or heed Haggai and Zechariah’s words. If this generation returned to the Lord, they would experience the blessings of their spiritual heritage.

How should I respond?

You’ve likely experienced the ripple effects of your parents’ choice to follow or reject Jesus as Savior and Lord. What kind of spiritual heritage do you have? Has your family encouraged your faith, discouraged your walk with the Lord, or been indifferent? Like each generation of Israelites, you have to decide whether you’ll follow Jesus and pay attention to what God says in His Word. How might you be rebelling against something God says is wrong? Will you “return to the Lord” by submitting that part of your heart and mind to Christ right now? That kind of daily submission will help you pass down a heritage of blessings instead of the consequences of disobedience.

We would like to thank Thomas Road Baptist Church for providing this plan.

June 3 – Trip to the Holy Land – The Mount of Olives

DAY 22 – THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

Theme: Passion & Prophecy

Read Zechariah 14: 2-11

The view from the Mount of Olives provides a magnificent panorama of the Temple Mount and the Old City of Jerusalem. From the western slopes of this beautiful hillside, it’s easy to imagine the trail Jesus followed on that first Palm Sunday as He rode into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey to the cries of “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  (Luke 19:38 NIV).  This event introduced the last week before our Lord was crucified, often called, “Passion Week.”

As you walk down the mountain, you can also gaze across the Kidron Valley and see the only gate in the walls of the Old City that is closed today – the Eastern or Golden Gate. It has been sealed because it’s located just above a Muslim cemetery.

In AD 1540, the Eastern Gate was shut by order of Suleiman the Magnificent, who also rebuilt many of the current walls around the Old City. Many suggest that the Gate was closed to prevent the Messiah from entering since Jewish tradition suggests that the Messiah will pass through the Eastern Gate when He comes to rule. The Eastern Gate has remained sealed for almost 500 years.

This prominent mountain, therefore, also serves as a focal point for Bible prophecy. The Bible says that Jerusalem will become a target for all the nations of the world in the future. Yet God protects His people. “On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:8-9 NIV).

Zechariah continues his commentary on how the Messiah settles the score on Jerusalem:. “On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name” (Zechariah 14:8-9 NIV).

This graphic scene unfolds right on the Mount of Olives! Imagine the cosmic upheaval that occurs because the Son of God comes in justice to rule and reign on this earth. The world has never experienced anything like it! Yet it will happen one day when Jesus returns to earth in power and glory.

Prayer of reflection:  Despite the global uncertainties today, thank you, Lord Jesus, that You will someday reign and create a time of great peace for this world.

Bob Fetterhoff

October 20: 1000 Years

Read Zechariah 14:1-21

As Zechariah closes with more “on that day” prophesies, he draws our attention to the centrality of Jerusalem and to the Lord, who will personally come to this city and reign as King. This prophecy was not fulfilled in Christ’s first coming. It is still ahead and will be fully experienced at His second coming at the end of a seven-year period which is often called the “tribulation.”

What do we know about this future reign of Jesus?

It will be global. Verse 9 tells us that “He will be King over the whole earth.” That is difficult to fathom. During our lifetime, we have only been familiar with a world that includes multiple countries, many governments, and countless leaders. We anticipate, however, a day in which Christ will be the one and only ruler over all the earth.

All opposition will be squelched. At the beginning of His millennial reign, Satan will be bound and unable to exert his influence in this world (Rev. 20:1-6). Meanwhile, any who contest the reign of the King will experience the force of His iron scepter (Rev. 19:15).

It will be a time of economic, social, and physical blessing. Unlike our present time, justice will be the rule. By God’s grace, inadequacies of food and income will not be widespread like they are today (Joel 2:21-27).

Creation will experience transformation. Geographical locations like the Mount of Olives will be different, as indicated in verses 4 and 5. Even animals will relate to one another differently as predator and prey will no longer have their current instincts (Is. 11:6; 65:25).

While all of this may sound like eternity, in reality, it will last 1,000 years. Revelation 20 gives us this time frame. While this period does represent a long time, there is a terminus.

Don’t worry. Even though that thousand year period will come to an end, the following era of human experience will be an unending period of sinless, painless life in the presence of God, with a new heaven and a new earth. It will be a time where things are better even than what will be experienced in the Millennium.

sbk

October 19: Soul Cleansing

Read Zechariah 13:1-9

There is something so refreshing about a shower after a few hours of yard or garden work on a hot, humid summer day. Letting the soap and water cleanse your body of the sweat, dirt, and grass that clings to your body is a good feeling.

But while physical cleansing can be a pleasant experience, soul cleansing is often painful. It is that experience that Zechariah describes as he prophesies of future days for Jerusalem and the nation of Israel (v. 1,). Although the thoughts shared here are specific for that nation, there are some parallels for those of us in the church.

What does that cleansing look like? In the process of soul cleansing, what can we anticipate?

1. The removal of idols (v. 2). I’m guessing that most people you know do not have stone or wooden images in their homes . . . images that represent unseen deities. Meanwhile, it is a very possible that there are those objects or priorities that we allow to compete for the position that God alone wants to fill. Remove those from your life.

2. The elimination of false prophets (vv. 3-6). The prophets indicated here were not speaking words that God revealed. Instead, whether out of ignorance or out of an attempt at personal gain, they presented teaching inconsistent with God’s. With all of the technological advancements, many voices and messages have access to your ear. Are their some you need to eliminate?

3. A reduction in number (vv. 7-9a). Zechariah describes only one-third who survive the cleansing process. Although it is unclear whether this third represents the only true people of faith or not, the New Testament tells us that there are people who claim a commitment to Christ but don’t really have one (Matt. 7:22, 23). Would you make the cut as a genuine follower of Christ? First John 5:11-13 can help you know.

4. Faithfulness through testing (v. 9b). Refining and testing require challenges and adversity. According to Romans 5 and James 1, those experiences will characterize the lives of believers. Are you allowing those kinds of experiences to enable you to come to reflect the person of Jesus in your life?

Embrace the process of soul cleansing today!

sbk

October 18: Someday

Read Zechariah 12:1-14

A few years ago over Memorial Day weekend, our family got away for a few days with family in Kentucky. In the midst of an upscale housing development spread across rolling hills, we noticed a beautiful home surrounded by acres of green grass and a white wooden fence. Inside the fence were horses. There was a sign at the edge of the road identifying the owners, the Huffman’s. But, in larger letters yet, was the name they had ascribed to their horse farm. The sign read:

Someday.

My guess is the owners had always dreamed of the day when they would have a property like that. For years, they had spoken of “Someday when . . .”And now, they are living their “Someday.”

The last three chapters of Zechariah depict a “Someday” for Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. Actually, the repeated phrase in these chapters is “on that day.” Sixteen times over these three chapters, the Lord draws our attention to “that day.”

The description is not one of a large house, green grass, grazing horses, and a white fence. Instead, it is of a day when God’s chosen people would no longer be the underdog. They would be able to withstand and even be victorious over her enemy nations. It was a day when Jerusalem would be an “immovable rock.” How these words must have caused the readers in Zechariah’s day to dream of “that day” . . . to speak of “someday.”

The average “Every Day With God” reader is not a blood descendant of the nation of Israel that has experienced immeasurable adversity over the centuries. Meanwhile, most every one of us has experienced opposition and challenges. Just when you thought you were on the upswing, something new came along and beat you back down. Be encouraged. You can dream of a “someday.” But only if you, like the nation of Israel, look on the Lord with faith-filled, repentant contrition (vv. 10-13). You see, “He was pierced [crucified] for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed”(Is. 53:5). Recognizing what Christ did for you causes you to repent . . . but it also enables you to dream.

Someday.

sbk

October 17: At What Price?

Read Zechariah 11:1-17

What is the Savior worth to you? I’m sure you agree that it is impossible to attach a monetary value to Him.

According to 1 Peter 1:18, 19, the value of His blood is greater than that of silver or gold. And in Matthew 13, His Kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a piece of valuable land. It’s like a pearl worthy of all of your.

Following Him caused some to leave fishing nets and families or would have required that others sell all. Surely, His value is infinite. No price is too high, no sacrifice too great.

In this interesting interplay of past, present, and future kings (shepherds) of Israel in today’s reading, Zechariah was eventually invited to play the part of the coming Messiah.  When asked about His wages, the answer given was thirty pieces of silver (v. 12). My guess is you recognize the prophetic New Testament parallel as the price that Judas would accept for betraying Christ into the hands of the soldiers and authorities.

Before we spend a moment on that thought, let’s consider another Old Testament parallel. You see, thirty pieces of silver was the price a slave owner was paid as compensation and settlement if his slave was gored by another person’s ox (Ex. 21:32). Thirty pieces of silver . . . that’s what a slave was worth.

As Jesus was betrayed, then, Judas saw thirty pieces of silver in his own pocket as having greater value than Jesus in His life. Those wanting the Savior dead were willing to pay the going price for an unfortunate slave. How disappointing that people in Christ’s day drew such conclusions.

The value we ascribe to Him is not so easily measured with monetary value. The price tag we attach is less discernible.

Still, it can be observed. It becomes clear in terms of priority and sacrifice. How much priority do you give to worshiping Him? Growing in intimacy with Him? Serving Him? What are you willing/unwilling to sacrifice when it comes to getting together with God’s people? In order to see others come to Him? In order to see His fame grow around the world?

At some point, does the price become high enough that you sell out?

sbk

October 16: Family Reunion

Read Zechariah 10:1-12

“It is so good to see you!”

“Timmy, is that you? I can’t believe how much you have grown!”

“How was your year?”

“I can’t wait to eat some of Aunt Sarah’s gooseberry pie!”

“I’m stuffed!”

“Are you going to play in the generational softball game this afternoon?”

Those are just a few of the lines you might hear at a good ole’ family reunion. Those are good times. It is true, some of the family members are a bit eccentric. Still, it is great to see them.

They gather from all over the state, country, or even the world in order to descend on one location, spend time together, and eat food . . . too much of it. They have a similar heritage, a common ancestry. Though the tales they swap have grown in incredulity with the passing of time, finding listeners is no problem for they all have a claim in the story. After all, they are family.

Aren’t family gatherings great?

Zechariah depicts that kind of gathering in the last half of the tenth chapter. Jews . . . those with a common lineage traced back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob . . . those with a common faith in the one true God were to be reunited. Although punished through exile and scattered over years, they were to be brought back to their homeland as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and in fulfillment to His promise.

That kind of joyful gathering is a recurring theme of Scripture and experience of God’s people.

• He restored them to their homeland after more than 400 years in Egypt and the journey of the Exodus.
• He brought them back in waves after the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles.
• He restored the Jews to their homeland more recently and miraculously in 1948.
• He will gather His followers through resurrection and rapture at His return in the air.
• He will unite His people as He establishes a kingdom where Christ is King and His followers are His subjects for 1000 years.

It is in those last two that we as followers of Christ will participate. Out of a world where we are like foreigners, from a context of adversity and opposition, we too will be gathered to participate in family reunions like none we have experienced. Anticipate it with joy!

sbk