Zechariah – Page 5 – Be Still…

Zechariah 5:5-11 – Wickedness Contained

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Another interesting vision to contemplate, brought to us by the prophet, Zechariah. This time he sees a bushel basket full of wickedness. I love the creativity God uses to make his intentions known. He doesn’t just use words! So, what message did this vision bring to you?

Did you find it interesting that wickedness was personified as a woman? In chapter 17 of the book of Revelation, John sees evil as the “great prostitute.” Now I have a picture of that woman in the container! And then, out of nowhere, two women with long, graceful wings enter the scene to take the wicked one away into the clouds. Without any explanation, such a vision would be a bit unsettling. We’re not given much enlightenment either.

Zechariah 5:1-4 – It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…

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No, it’s a flying scroll! This scroll was huge, the height of a 3-story building and the width is comparable to a midsize sedan. Zechariah’s visions continue to shed light on God’s plans and intentions. On this scroll, God had written his words of judgment for the corrupt people.

It seems that stealing and swearing falsely are the two offenses that need to be mitigated. Stealing would symbolize harming another person in any way, and those who swear falsely are those who have dishonored God. I imagine the words were in “large print” for all to read. This curse was upon all who had broken the covenant.

Zechariah 4:1-14 – A Lampstand and Two Olive Trees

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You’re not alone if this fifth vision of Zechariah left you perplexed. It’s not only strange but hard to understand. I’m hoping we can unpack it a little and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts the intended message for our reflection. Even the angel’s explanation left me scratching my head.

It helps to remember that this section of the book is focusing on who is leading those exiled people now returning to Jerusalem. This vision points to the new governor, and kingly descendent, Zerubbabel. You may recall Haggai mentions Zerubbabel—now it’s Zechariah’s turn to shine the light on the leader God had chosen.

Zechariah 3:1-10 – A Burning Stick

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Our focus now shifts to the high priest’s leadership of the new people of God in this “new age” or time after captivity. Jeshua or Joshua, depending on your translation, is the high priest in this vision, having come from the Zadokite tradition. Zechariah has a front row seat to observe Joshua’s questioning and accusations by Satan himself. What a vision!

Satan’s attempts to distract Joshua are rebuked by God. The LORD says to Satan, “This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” Joshua would have been lost forever, consumed by the fire of sin, if he had not been plucked out of Satan’s grip. God had bigger purposes for Joshua, and this prophecy gives him great spiritual authority among the people.

Zechariah 2:6-13 – God’s Heavenly Plan

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These visions seem to tie God’s plan all together as the people are returning from exile. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of this day when his prophecy declared the people would return after seventy years in Babylon captivity. God’s promise all those years ago was finally being fulfilled.

God wants his people to know that he still cares for them. He said, “Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.” How does it make you feel to be “God’s precious possession?”