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?
The high priest, Joshua (Yeshua) is symbolically crowned. His crown has been fashioned from gold and silver brought as gifts from the returning exiles. The crown becomes an important symbol for the church.
Joshua is the one identified here as the “Branch” we read about in an earlier reading. However, Joshua is merely “standing in” for the Messiah who is the one God speaks of in this prophecy. The crown is for Christ, too.
It is Jesus who will branch out from where he is (Israel) and build the true temple of the Lord. Zerubbabel will oversee the temple reconstruction in the sixth century, when God spoke these words to Zechariah. However, all people, Jews and Gentiles, are welcome to be builders of God’s “new” temple.
Zechariah’s words assure us this new ruler will not be Persia or some other worldly power. “Then he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between his two roles.” Jesus is the only one who fulfills both roles so seamlessly.
In the Old Testament, the high priest acted as mediator between the God and sinful people. In that role, the high priest entered the Holy Place and offered a sacrifice to God on behalf of the people once a year on the Day of Atonement. As mediator, Jesus not only offered the sacrifice, but he also became that sacrifice for us sinful people. He knew the shedding of his blood was the only way.
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)
Jesus is also our king, and this “memorial” crown is for him. We all await his coming kingdom. The crown we often see is a crown of thorns on Jesus’ bloody head. That thorny crown was only the beginning of God’s future plans.
Did you catch the condition Zechariah added to this promise of a coming Messiah? “All this will happen if you carefully obey what the Lord your God says.” Once again, the leadership of Zechariah’s day and the years following, are called to keep the standard of obedience set forth here. It’s not rocket science. God told the people what they needed to do while they waited.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for not giving up on me when I was heading in the wrong direction in life. I now look forward to the day when you return, and your kingdom is fully revealed. What a glorious day that will be! Help me in the meantime be more intentional about helping others know about your love. It is my prayer they be ready to obey and be welcomed into your family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
