Zechariah
For the next six days, we will be spending time with a contemporary of Haggai. Both prophets were concerned about getting the Temple re-built. Zechariah had the extra personal concern that comes from being a priest who might minister in the completed Temple. But these two prophets were clearly just as interested in spiritual renewal as in the building of a building.
Along with Daniel and Ezekiel, Zechariah has a keen interest in the coming Messiah, and in “end-times” themes, as well. Several times in our reading of Zechariah, we will think we are witnessing events surrounding the Second Coming of Christ.
Zechariah begins with a call to repentance (1:2-6), which is followed by his “Eight Night Visions.” The first three appear in today’s reading:
First, Zechariah sees a horseman among the myrtle trees with many horses behind him. “What are these?” asks Zechariah. The horseman says that these are the ones the Lord has sent throughout the earth. They’ve reported peace everywhere, but this will not last. Judgment is coming for the nations that oppressed God’s people, and God’s people will be restored in Zion!
Second, Zechariah sees four horns and four craftsmen. “What are they?” he asks. The four horns are the nations that have oppressed God’s people, and the craftsmen are God’s tools for punishing them.
Third, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line. “Where are you going?” he asks the man. “To measure Jerusalem,” he answers. God will re-populate the city! He is calling his children home! Those who have touched “the apple of his eye” will be punished. Israel will be restored and established. (Some of this vision seems to extend to the coming kingdom of the Messiah; read 2:11-13, especially!)
Your fellow pilgrim through the prophets,
Pastor Gary
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