Read Zechariah 8
Highlights:
My people (Zech. 8:8; 10:6-12). Hear the prophets (8:9). Fantastic revelations of Jesus, the Messiah, hundreds of years before His birth (9:9; 11:12-13; 12:10;13:7). Like the remnant, we too can be refined like silver (13:9). Christ's triumphant return to earth (14:4-9).
Every chapter of Zechariah's prophecy abounds with: Behold, thy King cometh (Zech. 9:9). His prophetic message was far more than words of comfort and encouragement to the returned exiles. It was a message of hope for mankind, foretelling the coming King of kings: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Five hundred and fifty years passed and it became a reality. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem sitting upon an ass (Matt. 21:1-11). This was His formal presentation as King to His loyal supporters and the common people.
But Zechariah also foretold of a time when the King will return: And the Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9). The glory of the Messiah's reign looks beyond the restoration of the Jewish nation to the King Himself, at whose second coming many nations shall be joined to the Lord (2:10-11). Earthly kings of even the smallest kingdom demand to be served; but the King over all the earth is presented as the Lord's Servant (3:8). Jesus, the Messiah King, made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7).
Israel soon will 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, and they shall mourn (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:26-27).
You and I have the wonderful privilege of living after the fulfillment of our Lord's earthly ministry and in the expectation of His soon return to be King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9). And all who have repented of their sins, confessed Christ as their Savior, and made Him Lord of their lives will then reign with Him. It is wonderful to know the forgiveness of sins and have the assurance of soon being with the King of kings face-to-face.
Jesus promised: If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself (John 14:3).
Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus (I Thess. 1:9-10).
Thought for Today:
Thou (Jesus) . . . hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Rev. 5:9-10).
Christ Revealed:
As King and as a Servant sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 9:9; 11:12). They covenanted with him (Judas) for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:15).
Word Studies:
8:2 was jealous . . . with great jealousy loved with great protective love; 10:3 goats civic and political leaders; 10:8 hiss signal; 11:7 Beauty, and . . . Bands two shepherd's staffs; 14:9 His Name One Jesus will be recognized and reign as God with no rival false god.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Joseph Donnelly (IN) and Sen. Bill Nelson (FL) • Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord amidst trouble and He will deliver you (Ps. 91:15).
Memory Verse for the Week:
