Read Zechariah 14:1-21
The book of Zechariah closes with an apocalyptic prophecy. The events depicted here have yet to be fulfilled completely. This chapter describes the path to a renewed relationship between God and his people.
God’s kingdom will be fully revealed once evil is purged for good. Jesus ushered in the kingdom with his birth, life, and death. But the big reveal is yet to come. It’s what the apocalyptic prophecies speak about. Jesus himself told us about those end days and the glorious victory.
Zechariah tells us what the new reality will be like. No more night sounds so different. The light of God will burn continuously. I can only imagine how much energy we will all have as we plug into God’s power for eternity.
God wants to be in community with all his people. Yet in Zechariah’s message, many are destroyed or taken captive. To see the promise of verse 9 fulfilled is what we live for as believers. “And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one LORD—his name alone will be worshiped.”
With all the world religions currently in existence, and those new-fangled ones popping up all the time, the idea of “one LORD” sounds really great! We know there is only one God. Think of our brothers and sisters that don’t know that. Others think there are many gods. We’ve got work to do to get the word of God into people’s hands and hearts.
While some of the prophet’s words seem a bit gruesome and stark, it is what will be needed to cleanse the world. This has to happen for us to have the renewed relationship with God he desires and we seek. Focus on how glorious that day will be and give thanks for the opportunity to wait with expectation.
Let’s pray. LORD, it’s sometimes hard to read about what is going to happen in the end times. At the same time, it is intriguing. I long for the day when the world is filled with only people who sing praise to you. You are mighty and wise. Thank you for claiming me as your child through Jesus Christ. Continue to draw me closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
