Monday, September 23, 2013

Week 39 - Day 2

Zechariah 10-14; Psalm 149

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The book of Zechariah can be a little confusing, as can many parts of the books of the prophets.  The prophets often mix prophesies of judgments in their own time, future times such as when Jesus comes, and even more future prophesies about the end of time.  As we’re getting closer and closer to the end of the Old Testament and about to start the New Testament I’m focusing on the prophecies that are pointing to Jesus, the Messiah.

Several prophets in the Bible point to Jesus, the son of David, who will be King of Kings.  Many Jews pictured a great political and military leader, a triumphant warrior.  But Zechariah, much like Isaiah did, tells us that He would be a humble king.  He would come to bring peace, but not in the way many imagined.  Zechariah 9:9, which is quoted and fulfilled in the New Testament gospels says, “See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 

Zechariah 12 speaks of mourning for “the one they have pierced,” much like in Isaiah 53: “He was pierced 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.” 

Jesus himself quoted Zechariah 13:7 on the night of his death when he knew his followers would desert him.  “Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Matthew 26:31) 

A humble king, a shepherd, God in the form of man … who would have thought the God of the Universe would choose to come in this way.  That He would come not only as a humble king instead of a mighty warrior, but that He would even suffer and die so that we could have forgiveness that we don’t even deserve.  It is unfathomable; it is wonderful.  It is perfect really … because how else could God show us the depth of His love?


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