SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 8 OBSERVATION: This is a vision of the way things ought to be between God and His people and all the world. God’s intention was to raise up a special community of people devoted and loyal to Him, and experiencing the blessing of that way of life. It would be a witness to the…
true religion
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 7 OBSERVATION: The people and their leaders thought that if they went through the religious exercises (offerings, worship, fasting, etc.) that God would be happy. But God makes it plain that what He wants is justice, mercy, compassion, good will towards others (this is what offerings, worship, fasting, etc. should be all about). He…
king of all the earth
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 6 OBSERVATION: The four chariots represent the sovereign reach of the King, extending to the four corners of the planet (see Revelation 7:1ff). The Lord of the whole world is directing the affairs of all nations and people, for His purpose. He is raising up His anointed Ruler on earth (the messiah, the branch) who…
taking sin seriously
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 5 OBSERVATION: The Lord is cleaning up. The flying scroll announces the removal of all thieves and liars. The woman in the basket represents the removal of all sin practices from Israel. In other words, the Lord will clean up His people, and remove all who refuse to obey Him. When we recall that…
relying on His strength
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 4 OBSERVATION: In this vision, the people are reminded that their success does not depend on their weapons, their armour or their armies, but on the power and presence of the Lord among them. Their witness for the King [symbolized by the lampstand] is empowered by the Spirit [symbolized by oil] that flows without…
who am I believing?
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 3 OBSERVATION: The high priest stands between God and the people. That being judged for sin (in the fire), he is plucked from the flames, given new, clean garments, and recommissioned as God’s ambassador. The accuser (Satan) is silenced. Even though guilty, God gives them another chance. The Branch and seven-eyed stone is symbolic…
his kingdom comes
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 2 OBSERVATION: The Lord chose Israel to represent Him to the world. When they failed to live up to their calling, the Lord punished them with exile. But He did not reject them forever, and He will once again use them to rebuild His Kingdom on earth. The Lord calls the exiles to return…
renewing the church
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 1 OBSERVATION: This book consists of a series of visions given by God to Zechariah (around 520 BC) for the nation of Israel, exiles in Babylon. The basic message is ‘get ready, God is about to act on behalf of Israel!’ [1:16] God had allowed His special people to be defeated by their cruel,…
concern for the weak and needy
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 146 OBSERVATION A summary of what David says in Psalm 146: I will always boast about how great God is, the great and mighty God who is on the side of the weak and needy! When you think of God, is this what comes to mind for you? The champion of the weak, the needy, the…
daily, specific praise!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION How much time do you spend thinking about how great and how good God is? Honestly! I’m not talking about singing worship songs, I’m talking about intentional periods of reflection where we list the different ways that God’s greatness or goodness have impacted us. I need to ask myself this question. David…