Zechariah – Page 4 – Be Still…

Zechariah 7:11-14 – Implications

Read Zechariah 7:11-14

This third section of Zechariah centers around the “implications” of this new age of believers. Those returning from exile will be the remnant of God’s chosen to repopulate Jerusalem and Judah. But what does that look like?

Zechariah’s first audience kept the faith in God alive for us today. There were enough of them who listened to God’s message, warning them to not fall into the same traps their ancestors had. They say “history repeats itself,” and I suppose we see evidence of that in the Bible where patterns emerge in human behavior and motivations.

Zechariah 7:8-10 – Do This!

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Once again, God spells it out for us. When we ask “how can I please God?” or “what makes a good person?” the answer to both of these questions is right here in these verses. One of God’s primary concerns for his returning community is justice – especially for the weak and vulnerable.

Of course, for me personally, the part about orphans and widows is like a nod in my direction. Until recently, I never understood how God wanted to use me in Mexico. After working with the girls at La Ola Girls Home here in town, I know God wants this for me and this verse is like my confirmation. My dear friend Becky, who runs the orphanage, is also recently widowed. I’ve seen how the oppression is real for both widows and orphans still today. I’m honored to be on her team as she keeps God’s dream alive!

Zechariah 7:1-7 – Celebrate God

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Zechariah must have wondered if he was ever going to receive another message from God to give the people. Two years is a long time. Take a moment to just think back—what were you doing two years ago? Most of us probably don’t remember exactly.

Then, lo and behold, another message comes. As if God was on speed dial, the people who came for a word from God had their response. We can oftentimes find ourselves waiting on God’s response. We seek his favor, too, do we not?

Zechariah 6:9-15 – The Crown of Christ

Read Zechariah 6:9-15

This is the last reading in the second section of Zechariah which has been dealing with leadership in the new age. It’s easy for us to see Jesus because we are sitting on this side of history. How exquisite such prophecies become when we see another facet of that beauty because of “when” we hear this message.

I often get caught up in details, wanting to take scripture literally. That isn’t always helpful, especially when we encounter texts like this. God has given us a rich picture of the future that goes beyond the details of who does what. What stands out to you?

Zechariah 6:1-8 – Final Vision

Read Zechariah 6:1-8

Like bookends, this eighth and final vision fits together nicely with the first vision. Both involve colorful horses patrolling the earth. In this vision, the horses are pulling war chariots which would signify God’s powerful might.

These horses have also been assigned directions they are to travel. The black horses going north are heading in the direction of Babylon. Zechariah’s first audience would have been particularly interested in that direction since it is where they spent the last 70 years in exile.