Zachariah 3:1-10 - CLEAN GARMENTS FOR THE HIGH PRIEST

A COURTROOM SCENE COMES INTO VIEW
THE HIGH PRIEST STANDS BEFORE THE LORD
HIS FILTHY CLOTHES OF NATIONAL SHAME
HAS GIVEN RISE TO SATAN'S BLAME.

A SUDDEN HUSH FILLS ALL THE ROOM
THE VERDICT'S WORD REVEALS THEIR GUILT
A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE MUST NOW DEMAND
THE FULL EXTENT THE LAWS COMMAND.

IN THEIR DEFENCE GOD TAKES HIS PLACE
AND SHOWS A LAMB TO FILL THEIR SPACE
THEN HE REBUKES THE SERPENT'S HEAD
BY LIFTING JUDAH FROM THE DEAD.

"REMOVE THOSE FILTHY GARMENTS NOW
FOR JOSHUA STANDS ON HOLY GROUND
I HAVE FORGIVEN ISRAEL'S SIN
AND FOR THEIR SAKE I WILL BE KING!"

THE PICTURE JOSHUA ILLUSTRATES
WITH EXCREMENT UPON HIS ROBES
REFLECTS IDOLATRY AND PRIDE
THAT JUDAH'S NATIONAL GUILT IMPLIED.

THE CALL WENT FORTH FOR ALL TO HEED
TO CLEANSE THEIR LIVES FROM EVIL DEED
SO WHEN THE TEMPLE WAS COMPLETE
ALL PRAISE WOULD CROWN HIS MERCY SEAT.

THEN JOSHUA AND HIS FELLOW PRIESTS
SYMBOLIC OF EMANUEL'S BRANCH
WILL BE A NATION BORN TO REIGN
THROUGHOUT MESSIAH'S WORLD DOMAIN.
--B. PENT

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. THE COURT ROOM SCENE FINDS JOSHUA REPRESENTING ISRAEL AS THEIR HIGH PRIEST WHILE STANDING BEFORE THE ANGEL OF THE LORD. WHAT PICTURE WAS MEANT IN JOSHUA'S FILTHY GARMENTS?

2. WHAT MEANING IS IMPLIED IN VERSE 2 Yahweh STATES: "iS NOT THIS MAN A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE??

3. iN WHAT WAYS DO VERSES 1-4 PARALLEL GOD'S DEALING IN GRACE WITH US TODAY/ WHAT ASSURANCE AND HOPE DOES IT GIVE US?

4. WHAT DO CLEAN GARMENTS AND A CLEAN TURBAN ON JOSHUA'S HEAD REPRESENT FOR ISRAEL'S PRESENT AND FUTURE? NOTE A SIMILAR PICTURE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH TODAY FROM 1 PETER 5:4; 2 TIMOTHY 4:8; AND REVELATION 2:10.

5. WHO IS SYMBOLIZED BY THE BRANCH? WHAT DO THE SEVEN EYES ON A STONE REPRESENT? AND, WHEN IS THE TIME YAHWEH REMOVES "THE GUILT OF THIS LAND IN A SINGLE DAY? (VS.8-10)

Zechariah 2:1-13 - The Man With A Measuring Line

A man with measuring line appeared
To mark the boundaries of His work
The prophet asked who he might be?
"The Branch! The incarnate Deity!"

Before this plot could be fulfilled
And Judah's king become revealed
A two-fold plan was put in place
A call to leave and walls to raise.

To leave the comforts of their home
Where Babylon seemed secure
Was not the place where God had planned
As His intended promised land.

The vision for the Temple built
With walls prepared on Zion's hill
Was God's intent to put in place
With promised blessings to embrace.

When Nehemiah felt God's call
To leave the king and build the wall
In fifty-two historic days
They were complete to Yahweh's praise.

But far beyond the present scope
The measuring line was meant to give
A greater goal for Israel's land
Although they did not understand.

"Shout and be glad!" declared the Lord
"You are the apple of my eye!
I will return as Judah's king
And nations will rejoice and sing!"
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. According to Zechariah 6:12, who is the man with a measuring line? Why is he given that name?
2. The walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins until Nehemiah, some 140 years later, rebuilt them. Why does the angel tell Zechariah "Jerusalem will be
a city without walls?"
3. Two angels are involved in verses 1-5. What confusion might have arisen necessitating further explanation?
4. Since so few left the comforts of the Babylonian lie style to return to Judah, what warning does the Lord give in verse 6, and why?
5. The vision seems to indicate a forward leap into the distant future. What time frame are verse 10-13 speaking about and what comfort or assurance might that have given to the remnant living in Judah at the time?

Zechariah 1:18-21 - The Four Horns & Four Craftsmen

The prophet looked and saw four horns
As nations rise to rule the world
He asked the angel who these were
"They scattered Jews throughout the earth."

The prophet Daniel saw the same
Four monstrous beasts rose from the sea
Babylon & Persia, Greece & Rome
Gentile powers til Christ's return.

A frightening sight at last appeared
A ten-horned monster looking weired
And from its head a little horn
The beast of Revelation born.

But then four craftsmen did arise
To terrify these national horns
They are the agents God had sent
Until all earthly rule is spent.

The first was Cyrus, Persia's king
Who conquered Babylon from within
Then Alexander ruled from Greece
Destroying Xerxes' ocean fleet.

The power of Rome where Caesar ruled
Crushed all the kings of Grecian fame
Yet from within corruption flowed
Until through time it did implode.

Then in the vision Daniel saw
Ten horns revived where Rome once stood
But to its feet of iron-clay
The "Rock" of Ages crushed its prey.

The final craftsman is that "Stone"
Where Christ will rule from Israel's throne
And all the kingdoms of this world
Will then confess that Christ is Lord.
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. Whom do the "horns" in verses 19-20 represent and why is this symbol used?

2. "Horns" in Scripture represent "power" and "authority." What "power" is described in Daniel 7:8,11,20-21 and about whom is it speaking?

3. In Daniel 7:3, four "great beasts" are said to come out of the sea, each representing a different nation. Then in Daniel 8 he identifies two of them as a ram with two horns and a goat with one horn which later becomes 4 horns. Can you identify these Nations?

4. The "craftsmen" refer to divine agents used to destroy other nations. Daniel 2 describes the rise and fall of the four world empires. How and by whom were they destroyed?

5. During the time of the revived Roman Empire described by the feet of iron and clay, a final "agent" is seen toppling the last "horn." Who is it and how does that fit into our text?

Zechariah 1:7-17 - The Man Among The Myrtle Trees

The curtain rises with a start!
A rider on a horse appears
And stands among some myrtle trees
Where other colored steeds are seen.

But who is he who stands alone?
And why do angel riders roam?
It is the Angel of the Lord
Whose word is like a piercing sword.

The sweating steeds had just returned
Patrolling earth's remotest end
And found the world at peace and rest
While Judah still remained oppressed.

Then in the valley of despair
A voice is heard in fervent prayer
As God the Son stands in their place
Imploring Yahweh for His grace.

The Lord spoke kind and loving words
With promises they would be heard
His Temple will again be raised
With Israel's shout: "the Lord be praised!"
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS

1. The first thing Zechariah sees is a rider on a red horse standing in a ravine (v.9). Who is this rider (v.11) and what might "the ravine" suggest
about where Israel found itself at this time?
2. What is a "christophany" and why would He appear as an angel and not man as indicated in John 1:14?
3. Since we are not told the meaning of these colored steeds (v.8b), what do the colored horses in Revelation 6:1-7 represent and might there be
some parallel? Do you wonder if perhaps they are the same? Why? or Why not?
4. Verse 12 pictures the Angel of the Lord praying to Yahweh on behalf of suffering Israel. We find a similar passage in John 17 between Jesus
and His Father. How should this encourage us during our times of greatest need?

The Prophecy Of Zechariah
Zechariah 1:1-6 - A Call To Return To Yahweh

In vision clear the prophet saw
Invisible to man God's cosmic plan
Revealed in mystery's simple shapes
Ten awesome signs of global weight.

The drama on life's stage appeared
The sovereign Lord produced the plan
Four separate scenes before him passed
And then the Lord returned at last.

A call is heard before the start
"Return to Me with contrite heart
For Babylon's strength has been removed
And grace toward Judah is approved."

Then from the rubble-broken walls
Where once Shekinah's Glory dwelt
The angel's voice comes loud and clear
"He has remembered! He is here!"

The awful bondage from the past
Is now fulfilled as Yahweh said
So why is Israel in distress?
While Persia's rule gives nations rest?

The vision Zechariah saw
Outlines the course of Judah's call
To follow closely His command
Until with Christ they take their stand.

So gather round the prophet's stage
And watch this awesome sight unfold
For blessings fall on all who care
And from their hearts this message share.
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. The three names: Zechariah; his father Berekiah; and grandfather Iddo together in Hebrew mean "Jehovah remembers and blesses in His time." What significance might these names have as they relate to the Book of Zechariah?

2. According to verse 4-6, what are some of the contributing factors which led to the Babylonian captivity?

3. Even after Cyrus urged the Jews to return to their homeland, why did so few leave and so many stay? Might it have something to do with
the comforts of Babylon or the broken down walls of Jerusalem? What do you think?

4. Verses 2 and 6b suggest that they were truly repentant of their past. What are some of the indication that they were returning to Yahweh?

DECEPTIVE THOUGHTS

Deceptive thoughts that trick the mind
Like flies caught in a spider's web
Try hard to shake its silken grip
Before its venom finds its mark.

How troublesome this rude disguise
Intriguing lures that bate its prey
While offering music that delights
In tones discordant to the heart.

Yet in this net of hopelessness
Like blowing winds that blind the eye
The only path through desert storms
Is standing firm against the night.

When naked truth reveals its worth
Life's phantom thoughts will take their flight
And like a dance in springtime rains
The heart will rise to sing again.
--B. Pent

THE CHURCH'S PRIORITY - I Thessalonians 2:17-20

Paul saw the Thessalonian Church as being on the cutting edge of service! The imminent return of Christ built a fire in their hearts as they served with passion and vision. They had their priorities in order. They became lights in a dark world. They were filled with passion and compassion.
I wonder what Paul would think of our churches today? What does God really desire for the church of the 21st century? Our text might help us to rediscover our priorities in the light of this new year and new decade.

I. Motivation For Kingdom Ministry - (vs.17-18)
Things were not perfect at Thessalonica. There were some who were gossiping, complaining and even some who refused to work because of Christ's imminent return. Like a nursing mother and a protective father he had helped them in their spiritual growth. His motivation was 2-fold:
1. Commitment - "out of our intense longing, we made every effort to see you"
We often tend to lose interest in serving Christ because of a lack of passion. Service from
selfish motives leads to lukewarmness. Paul not only had an "intense longing" but he
put forth "every effort." His priorities were right because his commitment was real. He
was committed to the will of God, the Word of God and the people of God. That must be
our motivation if we are to serve faithfully this new year!
2. Conflict - "but Satan stopped us"
With whole hearted commitment comes conflict! Paul kept up the fight even in the face
of opposition. The Enemy of our soul doesn't want us to serve Christ, so he will put every
possible obstacle in the way. What should be our response? First, we need to put on the
whole armour of God (Eph. 6:11-18) "with this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying." Secondly, be aware of Satan's subtle trap (I Peter 5:8-9) and "resist him, standing
firm in the faith." Thirdly, remember it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit
says the Lord Almighty" (Zach.4:6). He is our Victor and through Him we gain the victory!

II. Participation In Kingdom Ministry - (vs.19-20)
Too often we stop at motivation. God wants us to become participants; to get involved! Note
what happens as the process unfolds:
1. The Bridge Of Hope - Hope is built by following the will of God, living in the light of eternity,
and daily being filled with His Spirit (Eph.5:18). Hope is the certainty that God will fulfill
His promises. Involvement guarantees fulfillment of hope in His time.
2. Experiencing Real Joy - Joy is not only the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal.5:22), but as we serve
together, Jesus promises "the one that sows and the one that reaps rejoice together"(John 4:36). Joy spelled out, reads: Jesus, Others, You!
3. Receiving The Crown Of Glory - Paul's real joy came from seeing people come to new life
in Christ. They were his crown of joy! But Scripture makes it clear that all those who
serve faithfully and love His appearing will receive the victor's crown.

Conclusion: The time is short! God has given us another year in which to serve. In the light of His soon return, I want to be found walking with Him; living for Him; serving Him. Together we can make a difference! That's my goal! Is it yours?