Foundations: Zechariah - Day 12

Read: Zechariah 14

An incredible chapter, full of majestic prophecy! What a glorious day it’ll be when our Lord comes to reign! Truly, “the LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.” (14:9) Even HOLY TO THE LORD will be “inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar” (14:20). We must keep this in our minds and hearts – this is the goal - that God may be glorified! But what about us? Well, out of His love, His people will share in His glory! This day of the Lord will have such an impact that even the topography, the make-up and structure of the physical land will be altered (see also Rev. 21, Ezek. 47). Yes, there will be a terrifying end-time attack, but even this God is sovereign over. In fact, it is He who gathers the nations against Jerusalem (14:2)! Brothers and sisters, He’s in complete control! God has acted and He WILL act. All praise and glory to His Name! The beginning of the next phase in world and redemptive history will be the ultimate holiness of His land and His people.

Towards the end of this splendid chapter there is a reference to all nations celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles. What a diverse celebration this will be, as God is drawing people from all nations to Himself. At the end of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews have a portion where they are “married to the law”. However, on the day that Zechariah is referring to, we will be married to our bridegroom, Jesus. Wow! We have much to look forward to as we wait for Him. This hope can sustain us through any trial or trouble. This is why Zechariah prophesied, and it’s why we read it now – to be encouraged and to keep the fire burning in our hearts. Praise Jesus! “Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (14:5)

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Journal about the joy, anticipation and blessings associated with a wedding. Ask the Lord to give you insight about this . . . Then thank Him that one day we’ll be married to Him in a way that we cannot even comprehend right now!

2.   Ask God to help you keep your eyes on the future of what He is going to do, rather than putting your hope in this world. Ask Him to mercifully, lovingly and gently shepherd you to wholeheartedness.

3.   It would be fitting to finish this book, one that magnifies Jesus, to get down on your knees or lie prostrate and worship. Praise Him! 

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 11

Read: Zechariah 13

In Zechariah 13 the prophet looks again at the cleansing that has to happen if everyone is to say “the Lord is our God” (13:1, 9). This statement of belonging to Him has always been God’s goal – with the creation of Adam and Eve, and with the plan of redemption after they fell. Sin causes separation and God has a plan for redemption! That’s why this chapter includes references to Jesus’ first coming (“strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”, 13:7) and to his second coming. Both are incredibly significant parts of God’s agenda for salvation. The cleansing that Zechariah refers to is very specific and includes a removal of idolatry, false prophecy and involves the reality of wide scale destruction. It will be very difficult times, but if we have a clear sense of the wickedness of sin and of the holiness of God, we will understand. We want a world free of sin, do we not? This is the pathway that things must go.

For some this can seem discouraging, disheartening, even offensive. But God is faithful, loving and good. Even the promise, “yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold” (13:9) is a powerful testimony of why we can trust God. Even in discipline and punishment He restores. Also, we cannot elevate ourselves and our thoughts above His. He knows best! Finally, when we trust Him we can know that things will work out for our good and for the good of all who love Him.  

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Think about how you feel when someone hurts you, or crosses reasonable boundaries that you’ve set. Write down some examples. Then thank God that He’s going to deal with sin, and all the hurt and pain that come from it. (13:1)

2.   Zechariah has been a tougher book to read, parts of it are hard to understand. Write out a prayer to God telling Him that you want to know His Word better, to understand it deeply.

3.   God is good! Tell Him that you trust Him no matter what! If fears, or worries arise, declare out loud – “God, I trust you with _________”. Ask Him for His Spirit to grow in you, as He promises to Israel in the previous chapter. Ask Him to refine you (13:9). 

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 10

Read: Zechariah 12

What a powerful passage of Scripture! What a brilliant description of what’s still to come! Here’s a question: why should we read such descriptions? Brothers and sisters, they are vital! For one, they give us God’s heart for Israel and His plan for that great, but threatened nation. Second, they reveal to us what God is really like. In chapter 12 we are told of a great move by the nations of the world to destroy Israel – “on that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her . .  .” and that God will be their victory, “I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.” (12:3) What’s amazing about this prophecy is how specific it is – i.e. “the Lord will save the dwellings of Judah first . . .” (12:7) and God’s incredible desire to use and bless His people, “. . . so that the feeblest among them will be like David . . .” (12:8) Do we see God this way? Is this only how He deals with Israel, or can we trust God to be just as involved in our lives? As you read through this chapter, keep noting both the power and detail of what God promises – i.e. “I will keep a watchful eye over the house of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations” (12:4).

Then we get the promise of a stunning revival in Israel! “They will look on me, the one they have pierced . . .”. (12:10) Jesus hasn’t even been pierced yet – what a prophecy! This word from God talks about their reaction at His second coming before the first coming has happened! It’s very likely that the Hebrew should be translated, “they will look TO me” rather than, “they will look on me”. The grieving and weeping at that time speaks of genuine and true repentance. Again, there are specific details about clans, etc. to show us that God is sovereign and that He will work in a very powerful way. What a great God!

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Ask God how you can pray for Israel right now. What is His heart? His desire? Definitely pray for national revival – this is God’s Will!

2.   We see how specific God is in this prophecy through Zechariah. Ask Him to speak specifically about your life and the details of it. Be open to Him – He is Good! He may speak of things you have not heard from Him before.

3.   Ask the Lord if there are areas where you have not shown genuine, heartfelt repentance. Think about His second coming – we want to be unashamed at that moment! Let’s deal with anything that would keep us from getting us to that place. Genuine repentance is the pathway there.

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 9

Read: Zechariah 10 & 11

Zechariah reminds us in chapter 10 that God is in control – i.e. “he gives showers of rain to men” (10:1). There IS repetition in Zechariah and throughout the Bible because in the course of our daily lives in this world we forget very important things. The Israelites were no different. Our hope & their hope for the future is completely dependent on God – that’s it! There are no other guarantees! In fact, others “speak deceit” and what is “false” (10:2). This will only increase in the last days, so how important it is to know Him then. Even the leaders of Israel were woefully inadequate. Zechariah again reminds them that One will come who isn’t like what they’ve experienced. He is a “cornerstone” (the most important stone!), the tent peg (the key support!), the “battle bow” (their protection!). Praise Jesus! Through Jesus Israel will be restored and His motive is compassion (10:6). Brothers and sisters, God is so compassionate! Israel will be brought back and restored to a place of prominence and prosperity. One of the greatest statements in Zechariah is that “in His Name they will walk” (10:12).

At the end of chapter 10 we once again see that God will deal with Israel’s enemies. Throughout all of the prophets, this is a constant reminder. We may not understand this as we don’t have enemies directly threatening us. However, imagine what it would be like to be under constant attack by a physical enemy? The stress, the pressure, the anxiety – they would be huge! That’s why these promises of justice for Israel’s enemies (10:11) would be so comforting!

In chapter 11 we are told of worthless shepherds who do nothing for their flock. We also find a prophecy of the rejection of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (11:12-13). This was to be the ultimate act of treachery committed by Israel! Certainly Israel and its leaders had received many chances but their persistent rebellion results in God removing His favour (a consequence that impacts their vertical relationship with Him) and breaking apart the nation into two parts (a consequence that impacts their horizontal relationships). It is definitely a sad chapter and should cause us to ask if we as sheep have strayed in any way. God has been SO good to us and deserves to be followed with our whole lives! Even His willingness to place specific prophecies (positive and negative) in Scripture, and their fulfillment, is a declaration of His goodness.

Prayer and Journaling

1.   God is in control over the future and has ultimate authority over His enemies! Record a list of things that you and/or your children fear about the future. Then in prayer, hand these things over to Him.

2.   Ask God to show you words, thoughts and pictures related to His compassion. Ask Him to show His compassion to you this upcoming week AND pray the same things for others in your circles of influence (i.e. family, work).

3.   Picture yourself as a sheep going through life – your work, at home, at church, in your neighborhood, among your extended family, doing errands. Ask God to show you if you have strayed in any way. Confess and repent.

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 8

Read: Zechariah 9

In chapter 9 Zechariah shifts to focus more on international matters, along with providing a more detailed description regarding what will happen in the last days. Of course, Israel is still mentioned frequently as the Jews and their land are the “epicenter” of all that happens. This has been the case since God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12. Nevertheless, that very promise was only God’s beginning point, as it included a desire to bless all the nations. Since God has His eyes on all nations, Zechariah first gives an oracle highlighting that those who have been against God’s “house” (Israel) will be dealt with comprehensively, with justice and holiness. (9:1-8) The message of ALL the prophets is that God is sovereign over all! Isn’t it great that we can leave ultimate justice up to God?

Second, Zechariah tells the Jews that a great King is coming! This is a reason to “rejoice greatly” (9:9)! He will bring salvation, peace and MUCH blessing! Are these not things that we all long for? Jesus is bringing them! Then there are promises for us, His people, as we will sparkle “like jewels in a crown” (9:17). These verses speak of both Jesus’ first coming (riding on a donkey, v. 9) and second coming (his rule will extend from sea to sea, v. 10). So much prophecy has “now, fairly soon, and distant future” aspects!

In this chapter, we see that Jesus is gentle (9:9), powerful (9:10, 14-15), a redeemer (9:12) and a wonderful Shepherd (9:16).

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Think of what the devil is using to attack God’s people today. Write these things down in your journal and thank Jesus for having a plan to defeat His enemies.

2.   Ask God if you are spending enough time thinking about the future, and His coming. Ask Him to show you the benefits of having your eyes “fixed on what is unseen, not on what is seen”.

3.   Spend some time worshipping Jesus for all of the things noted at the end of the chapter 9 write-up. He is so Glorious!

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 7

Read: Zechariah 8

God is jealous for His people! (8:1-2) He never, ever gives up on those with whom He has a relationship! Some people see God’s jealousy as a threat, as something that will result in an impossible life.  However, God’s jealousy is a wonderful reality, declaring that He pursues us passionately in a love relationship. He is actually “burning with jealousy!” In the context of Zechariah, this includes jealousy for His land. We are told that He will establish Jerusalem as the City of Truth and the mountain of the Lord will be called the Holy Mountain. (8:3) The amazing promises continue to include safety, joy, prosperity and restoration of festivals! God will bring back His people from all over the world (8:7-8), something that has already begun (from 1948 - on especially) but still needs to be completed. Brothers and sisters, there is much more coming! Praise God! God uses these promises to spur his people on to keep building the temple, to not be afraid! (8:13, 15) Fear can certainly dissipate when we get our eyes on God and His promises!

Of course, with the promise of blessing comes responsibility. God tells them through Zechariah to “love truth” and to love others (8:16-19). Knowing God and His plans should definitely cause us to worship Him with our actions! Finally, there is the incredible picture of many nations coming to Jerusalem to seek the Lord and the special blessing the Jews will have as ones whom God will use to teach about Him. (8:20-23) God wants all to come to Him and know Him! What a great God!

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Ask God what it means when it says that He is jealous. How has He shown His jealousy in your life?

2.   Is there anything you are avoiding or shrinking back from because of fear? Like the Jews building the temple, look to God in this area. Ask Him what He wants to say about the area.

3.   Grab a map of the world and pick a few nations to pray for. Pray that MANY from that nation would one day seek the Lord!

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 6

Read: Zechariah 7

Chapter 7 of Zechariah is a very, very humbling chapter. We don’t always like “rebukes”, but God does discipline those He loves. This is merciful, as it saves us from judgment later on. The context is simple -  some people from north of Jerusalem come to see Zechariah and they have what seems like a very basic question about fasting (7:1-3). Very likely they anticipated an easy answer. However, Zechariah, in response, proceeds to deliver an incredibly challenging word from God! He tells them that their fasting AND feasting are very selfish, rather than God-centered and other-centered (7:4-7). He makes it clear that what God is looking for is specific actions from a wholehearted devotion to Him.  Here is a list of some of what He expects:  

a) Justice

b) Mercy & compassion towards others

c) No oppression of the widow, fatherless, foreigner or poor

d) No wrong thoughts of others (7:8-10).

Obviously things weren’t quite as good as God’s people thought! Zechariah knew that the Israelites had not responded in the past because of the hardness of their hearts, which resulted in punishment (7:11-14). We too must carefully consider if we are right before God, as just doing “religious stuff” and “church stuff” isn’t sufficient. The Judge of all knows our hearts! If we will not listen, He will not listen to us (7:13).  

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Journal about your journey with fasting and godly celebrations (i.e. Easter). Ask the Lord – have these been done with His heart, or selfishly? Ask Him to speak to you about future fasting and feasting. How can God be loved in these, and others shown compassion?

2.   Ask God to speak to you about this question - do you show mercy and compassion towards others? Think of your spouse, your co-workers, extended family, your neighbours.

3.   Ask God to speak to you about the widow, fatherless, foreigner and poor in your life, even if you have brief contact with them. Are you judgmental in any way? Racist? Do you “put feet” to your love through use of the time, money and energy God has given you to help the poor or immigrant or fatherless?

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 5

Read: Zechariah 5 & 6

In chapters five and six Zechariah continues to receive “downloads” from God in the form of visions. We see that God is so faithful in speaking to His people, directing and comforting them. Perhaps you need to ask God to speak to you in dreams and visions? He still does today! In these chapters, we are first reminded that God will judge sin – including stealing and swearing falsely. These are serious things in God’s eyes and the size of the scroll described, along with the reality it’s flying, likely points to the fact that no one can hide from God’s judgment (5:1-5). We must deal with ALL sin. The promises of God’s mercy are wonderful and He does accept a commitment to holiness in response. Thankfully God helps us move on from sin as we see in the giving of new clothes to Joshua (chapter 4) and now through the vision of wickedness being carried away. Why is it carried away to Babylon? Often Babylon represents the place of wickedness and depravity (i.e. the Harlot Babylon). One day this vision will be fully fulfilled, and we will dwell in a place with no sin! Aren’t you thankful?

In chapter 6 (vv. 1-8) we see chariots with horses going out, very likely doing God’s work. Why are they different colors? This may be to represent different things that God will do, similar to the horses and their riders in the book of Revelation. Whatever the exact meaning, we must not lose sight of the fact that we can trust God to accomplish His Will! This is so reassuring! Brothers and sisters, He will complete what He has begun! Illustrating this exact point, Joshua is given a crown to show what God will do at that moment and in the future. The throne and temple, the kingship and priesthood, will be united (6:13). This is important because often God’s leaders were corrupt. Ultimately, all of God’s promises will be realized WHEN Jesus takes His rightful place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (as spoken of in Rev. 11:15). Of course, there are aspects of God’s plan that are conditional (depend on us) for individual believers and people groups. For example, Joshua is told, “this will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God.” (6:15)

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Sin brings a curse on the earth and judgment to individuals. Both the Old and New Testaments testify to this reality. Ask God – have you stolen anything (i.e. movies, music, stuff from work)? Have you been swearing falsely – to family, to co-workers, to a boss? Ask God and then repent of anything He reveals.

2.   Spend some time asking God to speak to you in a variety of ways – whether through dreams, visions, prophecy, His Word. Remember that bigger things should be submitted to those who are more mature and be held loosely.  

3.   God will accomplish His purposes. Thank Him for this truth! Now ask him if there’s an area you’ve been procrastinating in. Is there a place where you’re not “diligently” obeying Him? (6:15)

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 4

Read: Zechariah 4

Zechariah continues with the visions that he received from God. Not all commentators agree on the exact meaning of each of the visions, but there is some consensus. We can have confidence that as time progresses, God wants us to know! The picture of the lampstand, along with a bowl, lights and olive trees likely speaks of the promise of God’s power and anointing for Israel. Such items mean similar things throughout the Bible, as God provides order in His Word so that we can understand what He’s saying.  This is supported by the angel’s words, “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (4:6). Essentially, God is saying through His servants that His work will only happen with His power. How could it happen otherwise? He is so powerful that even a “mighty mountain” (could represent a mighty nation or enemy) will not stand. Then the capstone (prob. Jesus) will come out! (4:7). This is our only hope, and Israel’s only hope, as our enemies are much too strong for us. We need to call on Jesus for what will happen in the future!

Unquestionably the Jews and maybe even we today wonder –things seem so bad right now, how will they turn around? To this, God says – “who despises the day of small things?” (4:10) God is saying to them and to us - small now doesn’t mean big won’t happen later! Finally, the picture of the two olive branches and the two golden pipes could represent the marrying of the priesthood & royal functions – Joshua was an example of this (see 6:9-11) – and the raising up of Joshua (high priest) and Zerubabbel (governor). As God often did, He gave present day examples of what He would do in the future. Of course, Jesus would come and serve as priest, prophet and king all wrapped up in one!

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Ask God where you are doing things in your own power, rather than with His help. Confess this and then ask Him to flow into that area in your life.

2.   Ask God to show you where He is working in your life, even though things seem really small (v. 10). Then ask Him for promises in this area, thanking Him in faith for what He’ll do.

3.   Spend some time worshipping Jesus for being our prophet, priest and king. Journal what each of these mean to you.

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 3

Read: Zechariah 3

Here we have a powerful picture of Joshua the high priest being accused by satan, and then being cleansed of his sin, symbolized by a change in garments (3:1-4). The high priest was very important for this recovering Jewish community, and so God was definitely sending a vital message to His people. First; we don’t see the enemy show up much in the Old Testament (though he is active behind-the-scenes), so his noted appearance here should cause us to consider why. Essentially God is declaring that the presence of sin gives the devil a measure of room in our lives. He is an accuser of the brethren, and he had something to accuse them about, as they had persisted in sin. That’s why the exile to Babylon happened in the first place! This sounds discouraging, but the vision doesn’t end with the accusation. Far from it!

Second; this vision highlights that God has AND will continue to do something about the sin of Israel! Praise Him! Even the presence of a remnant in Jerusalem was meant to be sign of this truth, as was the providing of new clothes to Joshua. What a prophetic symbol!

Third; after this cleansing Joshua is called to live a life devoted to God (3:6-7). This aspect of the vision is reminding God’s people that forgiveness should lead to a clear commitment IF future blessings are to be experienced.

Finally; the angel tells Joshua that this has an incredible application for future generations. A “branch” (Jesus, from the “tree” of the Jews) will come and He will deal with all of the sin in the land. Wow, what a promise! But there’s even more! The result of this work by the Branch will include the reality of future unity and fellowship – “in that day each of you will invite his neighbour to sit under his vine and fig tree.” (3:10) Sin has destroyed many things, including relationships, and God will bring restoration to these as well. The impact of His coming will be beyond anything we can imagine!

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Is there any area in your life where you face the accusations of the enemy, where you feel filthy? Ask the Lord what to do about this – is there confession to do? Do you simply need to resist the devil? (James 4:8). Ask Jesus to cleanse you!

2.   Ask Jesus to show you some of what He will accomplish with His coming, what He will change about this world. In response to what He shows you, thank Him.

3.   Are there any relationships that need restoring in your life, to be brought to a place of peace? (v. 10). Ask God to show you any such relationships, and to work in them. Also ask Him if there’s anything you need to do to participate in His Work.

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 2

Read: Zechariah 2

Zechariah continues to receive visions from God. In this vision of the man with a measuring line, God is declaring that one day Jerusalem would spread out much further AND that He would Himself be their wall! (2:4-5) Under David and Solomon, the Jews controlled much land, but at this time they were very, very tiny. They couldn’t help but compare their current state with the past. God often provides His people with “words” about the future so that they could keep going. These visions then would have served as an timely encouragement to the weary, discouraged Jews! Yes they had fallen very far and hard, but the future held something beyond what they had ever experienced.

While physical protection and future prosperity are enticing promises, we also see in this chapter God’s “motive”. The Jews are the “apple of his eye” (2:8) - it’s the most sensitive part of the eye - and He would not sit by idly while His chosen ones were being hounded without mercy. Some might ask – “why didn’t he do MORE at that moment?” – but God has His timing and ways. The Jews of the past, and all who believe in Him, do well to trust Him in all things. Of course, such trust can be powerfully sustained by specific promises. For example, God tells them, “I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.” (2:11) What a promise! Brothers and sisters, let’s also seek Him for promises in our own lives! 

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Pray for the people of Jerusalem and Israel. Pray that they would see that Jesus is their only hope. Not only personally, but also the hope for the very land that they live in! (v. 10)

2.   In the future Jerusalem will not even have walls due to an explosion in population AND because God will protect it like a wall of fire (vv. 3-5). Ask the Lord if there’s any area in your life (or in your family) where you’re getting attacked and need protection. Pray for God to be a wall of fire around that area!

3.   God promises to live among His people (v. 11). He is a personal God, for sure! Pray for more of His presence in your life, through the filling of His Spirit. And then watch what He’ll do in & through you! 

Foundations: Zechariah - Day 1

Foundations:  The Book of Zechariah 

12 Day Devotional

The book of Zechariah is one of great encouragement and hope – for God’s people in the past, in the present and in the future! While judgment and rebuke are a part of the message of Zechariah, much of the book loudly declares God’s plan to powerfully deal with evil and to comfort His people, both Jew and non-Jew. As we view the world around us and wonder about the brokenness and chaos, a book such as Zechariah can serve as an anchor for the heart, soul and mind of any believer. 

Zechariah 14:9 (NIV) "The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.”

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Introduction to Zechariah

Zechariah is one of God’s final messages to His people before a period of relative silence (approx. 400 years) begins, leading up to the coming of Jesus. Zechariah the priest prophesied at the same time as Haggai the prophet, but outlasted him by many years. We can read more about them and that specific time period in their own books, along with the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Approximately 50,000 Jews had returned to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. Overall, they were fairly discouraged and disheartened. Their primary leaders included the governor Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua. Then there were the prophets Zechariah, and Haggai, challenging the people to keep rebuilding the second temple (the first had been destroyed by the Babylonians) in spite of financial challenges and aggressive enemies. Zechariah’s message was clear - if only they would return to God and follow Him, they would be blessed. They must not give up!

In Zechariah God is speaking through His servant to both spur on and encourage His people at that time and to comfort future believers. Through what the prophet say, we can see that God is always in control and that He never forgets His people! Can this not encourage us as well? In fact, Zechariah’s name means “Yahweh remembers”!  Throughout the book Zechariah uses many word pictures to illustrate what he’s saying. In fact, as we read Zechariah we are confronted at times with fairly wild visions full of meaning, even brief poetry. Some find this confusing, but it is in part due to the reality that when looking that far into the future, certain things will be cloudy from our perspective. Nevertheless, when things get foggy we can remember this - God is speaking and saying, “I am working and I WILL work!” Therefore, reading Zechariah can strengthen our hearts, purify our minds and capture our imagination. What an incredible book!

In Zechariah, we are certainly given a compelling picture of how history will unfold. Much of it centers around the Jews, Jerusalem and, of course, Jesus. For sure our love for Jesus can expand in reading Zechariah as many vivid prophecies about His first and second comings proclaim what He has done and what He will do. He is worthy to be praised and followed!  And do you ever wonder about all the evil in the world? Do you ever feel that God’s Work is progressing too slowly? Do you ever get discouraged by your sin? Zechariah addresses all these questions and challenges. Brothers and sisters, read with eagerness as we are told that God WILL fulfill His promises and complete His epic plan for redemption, including that of the Jews. Amen! 

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Day One

Read:  Zechariah 1

The book of Zechariah is broken into two parts. Chapters 1-8 focus on the current situation of Israel, while Chapters 9-15 concentrate on the future – including our future! The book begins with a powerful word from God, through Zechariah – “return to me . . . and I will return to you” (1:3). Brothers and sisters, we must move toward God if we are to experience Him and walk in His blessings! The Jews needed to hear this because they were growing weary of their temple rebuilding project. There were so many challenges! God was saying – you have a choice to make – be like your forefathers, or be different. This is a lesson for all of us – we can set a new course if the generations before us strayed from God and His Ways. Praise God! Wearisome times will come, but God is waiting to provide us with words to spur us on!

A few months after delivering this prophecy, Zechariah receives a variety of visions. God definitely has many ways to communicate with us! In Chapter 1 he gets a vision of men on horses returning with a report for God. The nations that have oppressed Israel look so secure, and at peace, BUT God says in response to this report – “things aren’t what they look like!” (1:14-17). How they needed God’s perspective! The proper view, God says, is that He will have mercy on Israel and punish the other nations. The next vision confirms this with a picture of nations and their strength (this is what horns represent) being subdued (1:18-21). What a powerful God we serve!

Prayer and Journaling

1.   Is there an area in your life where you have to return to God? Is there something that you’re trying to keep hidden from Him? Let Him search your heart . . . He will return to you! (v. 3).

2.   Write down some past patterns from previous generations (your “forefathers”) in your family that were dishonouring to God. (v. 4) This is not for the purpose of blame or disrespect. Rather, ask God if you have made better choices and set different patterns in those areas. 

3.   Pray that God would “de-horn” (vv. 18-21) the power and strength of nations that hate God’s people, the Jews, and all other believers. He has promised to do this, so we are praying according to His Will. Let’s be a part of His Work! 

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 20

READ: 1 Samuel 29-31

The Philistines are preparing for war and the majority of the men do not want David to accompany them into battle. They don’t trust him, which is probably wiser than the king, who still thinks David has been spending his days attacking Israelite cities all this time. So David is sent out of the Philistine’s protection. Chapter 30 follows David while chapter 31 tracks the actions of Saul and the Philistines.

David and his men move south, away from the battle that is beginning in northern Israel. When they reach Ziklag, they find the city plundered and in flames with no trace of the women and children. The Amalekites, seeing that the majority of Israel’s armies had gone to battle against the Philistines, chose an opportune time to raid Ziklag. David and his men charge further south in search of the army of Amalek. By the time they reach the brook of Besor, 200 of the men are exhausted and unable to go any further. And so David leads the remainder onward, eventually rescuing the women and children, destroying the enemy and taking back the plunder. When the army returns to Besor, some of those who took part in the rescue proclaim that they don’t want the 200 who stayed behind to share in the plunder. David immediately shuts this down and makes a decree that plunder will always be shared with those who could not join in the fight. David is a good ruler. He shows himself to be wise and compassionate, righteous and generous in his leadership. He has definitely learned from watching Saul what not to do as a leader of Israel, but it is his faithful walk with Yahweh that has prepared him for his upcoming role as king. It is hard to say how long David ran from Saul; somewhere between 5 and 20 years; whatever the case, it was a long chase – tiring and very discouraging at times. But 1 Samuel 29:6 is a perfect descriptor of David: “But David strengthened himself in the Lord.” He had come to know the truth that there is nowhere else where sustainable strength can be found. He knew himself to be weak – he had referred to himself as nothing but a dead dog and a flea (1 Samuel 24:14)! But with God, he could accomplish impossible feats. Later, based on all he had experienced, David would write: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold… With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” (Psalm 18:2, 29)

Meanwhile, the Philistines and the Israelites were battling on Mount Gilboa. It is a massacre. Many die, including Saul and his three sons. It is a sad day for Israel. The king they so desperately wanted lies headless in a field, his three natural successors lie dead alongside him. In 1 Samuel 12, the prophet charged the people to follow the Lord in obedience if they wanted things to go well for them, but he also put this responsibility on the king: “… if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.” Their king did not follow the Lord, and all is not well in Israel.

But God, in His love and sovereignty, has been preparing a new and wonderful king for His people. Though we are sad to see David’s faithful friend Jonathan lying slain on the mountain, God is making the way for an easy transition for David’s kingship; there is now no son to take over his father’s throne. Though the book of 1 Samuel ends on a solemn note, we are left greatly anticipating the coronation of the great King David – the man after God’s own heart.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  “But David strengthened himself in the Lord.” How is this good news to you today? In prayer, prepare yourself for what lies before you by strengthening yourself in the Lord.

2.  Take some time to think through the leaders you have met through the book of 1 Samuel: Hophni, Phineas and Saul in comparison to Samuel and David.

a.   What strengths and weaknesses did you observe?

b.  What does the Lord want you to take away from what you have studied? What is something specific He wants to teach you about an area of leadership that you have?

3.   Ask God to show you something in your character that pleases Him. Pray that God would continue to work in you, making you more and more into a man/woman after His heart.

4.       What is a main theme you noticed in David’s life? Pray that this truth would be developed in the hearts of believers in our church and country.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 19

READ: 1 Samuel 27 & 28

Tired of fleeing Saul throughout Israel, David and his men take refuge with the Philistines. But David wasn’t the type to sit around and twiddle his thumbs; he and his men would band together and attack enemies of Israel. However, he would report to King Achish that he had attacked his fellow Israelites. Thus, David gained trust and rapport with the Philistine king. After a year, the Philistines decide to attack Israel in order to gain control of the northern Jezreel Valley. David, as a trusted servant of the Philistines, is expected to join in the fight.

Meanwhile, Saul sees that an Israelite victory would be against all odds. Grasping at straws, he decides that the only thing he can do is find a witch and call up the spirit of Samuel, who he knew to be a speaker of truth. It is an interesting story, and is one that reminds us that parts of the Bible are descriptive, not prescriptive. To call upon a necromancer was forbidden by the Lord – Saul himself had, at one point, apparently put all mediums/witches/etc. out of Israel. This is why he went in disguise and why the witch was so cautious. The only word the prophet gives Saul is that his doom is quickly approaching. Saul has really lost his way. He has lost all reverence for God, seeking the voice of a dead prophet over that of Yahweh. God is merciful and good; if Saul would only turn to Him in humility and repentance, the Lord would forgive him and call him His own. But Saul continues to set himself against God, even in these last days of his life.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Saul is clearly not on a path towards ending well. Are you? How do you know? It seems that if we do not deal with our issues, they come back to haunt us later in life. Is there an issue God has been asking you to deal with? A matter of the heart, a character weakness, an area of unforgiveness, etc.? Make the effort to start working through this issue today. What does God want to say to you about it? What step towards restoration and wholeness can you take today?

2.   Are there people in your life who are not ending well? Intercede for them. Pray that they would not be like King Saul, who refused to let God change his heart. Pray that they would be delivered from lifelong issues of the heart. Pray that God would show them mercy.

3.   In this chapter we saw Saul go against a decree that, by knowledge of God’s law, he had instituted earlier. He slipped in an area of sin that he knew was wrong, and that he had told others to keep away from. Spend some time in prayer for your church leaders. Pray that they would stand firm in righteousness and obedience. Pray that they would be able to lead with authority because they back up their words with their own actions.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 18

READ: 1 Samuel 25 & 26

Chapter 25 begins with a brief sentence informing us of the death of Samuel. A great man of God has passed from one life to the next. Samuel spoke the word of the Lord as God directed him; he listened and obeyed and now his earthly tasks were over. It is a good reminder for those of us who have battled the loss of a loved one: there is a time to die. And when death comes, God is no less in control than he was the day before. In fact, God knows at this very moment when you, and all those you love will pass away from this earth. And God is good.

We see a different side of David here. He has learned to wait for the Lord’s timing in regards to Saul’s death and his own kingship, but when denied provisions, he lashes out in anger. It seems that he forgets to seek the Lord in this moment. Upon being rudely denied sustenance, David calls his men to arms and sets out to destroy Nabal and his household. But Abigail intervenes. Abigail is an incredible woman – quite the opposite of her husband, whose name means “foolish”. In a culture and marriage where she was given rather low value, Abigail is resourceful and wise, acting confidently and stepping up as a leader. She is a true peacemaker. Knowing Nabal is being ridiculous, the servants easily report to Abigail, knowing she will know what to do and that she will act wisely. Abigail is very shrewd in dealing with David. She presents herself as a humble servant before him. Her words might flippantly be taken as flattery, but in fact, they are words of wisdom and prophecy. God is using Abigail to save David from an act of ungodly vengeance. God gives her incredible words to relay to David, reminding him that his life is protected by the Lord, and that God can be trusted to sling out David’s enemies – David need not defend himself. David is so thankful for Abigail’s words of wisdom, for through them, his eyes have been opened to the great sin he was about to commit. He is captivated by Abigail, and when God avenges David through Nabal’s death, David takes Abigail as his wife.

Abigail was a peacemaker. She knew her husband to be a foolish man, and it seems that she was well-versed in handling his misdeeds. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Those who promote God’s peace – unity and accord and well-being and wholeness – are reflective of God and are true representations of their heavenly Father.

Abigail also sought to make the best of her situation. As a woman in ancient Israel, and particularly as the wife of a fool, her circumstances were less than ideal. But we see her as a confident and contented woman. The misfortunes of her life have not paralyzed her with bitterness or resentment. Instead, she is a kind-hearted refuge for her servants; she fears the Lord; she speaks words of wisdom.

In chapter 26, we again see David tested with the opportunity to take Saul’s life. Again, he resists, knowing that the Lord is in control. We see through these chapters that there is another theme in 1 Samuel besides that of leadership: our attitude in life is independent of our circumstances. As followers of God, we can display His character in any situation because He is our Source of joy and confidence!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Ask God how you can be a peacemaker today. How can you reflect your Father as a peacemaker?

2.  Is there someone you know who is involved in something foolish? Take some time to intercede for them. Ask God to move in their hearts and give them His wisdom. Be careful if you feel that you need to say something to them about the issue. Any confrontation must be bathed in prayer and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and must be completely free of bitterness and malicious intent.

3.  How have you allowed your circumstances to define you? Do you believe that God is your Source, that He holds every detail of your life in the palm of His hand? Take time to meditate on God’s power. Take time to ask Him what you mean to Him. In 1 Samuel 26:23, David says, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness…” Do you believe this to be true? Ask God to transform your attitude so that it is grounded in His character and His Word, and not in your circumstances.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 17

READ: 1 Samuel 24

What a story! This account shows David to be a man of high integrity. And, in fact, this story is a great contrast to the actions of Saul in the previous chapter. Saul was flippantly claiming God’s name over his sinful actions. Here in chapter 24 we see David doing the exact opposite – he is so careful not to claim just any opportunity as a “sign” from God.

What many would see as an opportunity from heaven, David saw as a test from His God. Even in the middle of great trial David could look beyond his circumstances at what He knew about God and righteous living. David did not seek to squeeze God’s will into his desires; rather he sought to conform his desires and his thinking to the will of God. Though many around him encouraged him to take Saul’s life, David was able to step out of the intensity of the moment and remember that God was his Defender, Protector, and Sovereign Lord.

David had such integrity, such reliance on the Lord and patience for His timing. Samuel had long anointed David the future king of Israel. It was even somewhat normal for kings to be assassinated by their successors – at first glance this event in the cave might seem providential. But God desires that His people trust and depend on Him. David knew that to kill the man that God had appointed king of Israel would be sin; it would be an act of rebellion, taking his own future into his own hands. But David knew that his future kingship was going to be God’s doing – David had no familial claim to the throne, and he would not take the throne by force; we would remain blameless. This patience and dependence is so admirable. David shows a true relinquishing of his heart. He is OK to wait upon the Lord’s good timing. He knows he has been sorely mistreated by King Saul – that he has been shown terrible injustice – but he will not take matters into his own hands. He will leave vengeance to the Lord.

This is the kind of sacrifice that the Lord loves. He loves when His children lay down their “rights”, when they die to the desires of the self and let God lead. When we do this, God can take us to the deep and intimate places of His heart. He can trust that we will handle well what He entrusts to us. David is willing to keep short accounts, even swearing his protection over Saul’s family when he does one day enter into his kingship. Anyone not submitted to the Lord would refuse to make such a merciful promise. But David was not living for himself; his life as it was was barely liveable and God was all he had.

We might wonder why God took so long to establish David’s kingship. Why not just smite Saul down with a plague and usher David in? There is much to be learned in the time of waiting and the valley of testing. The hard soil of pride and self-reliance and bitterness and so much more is broken up and, for those who cling to the Lord in the waiting and testing, a rich, soft soil is cultivated. Let us be glad in the deserts and valleys, knowing that our God is with us and has rich, fertile plans for us.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   What does the Lord want to teach you personally from what you read today? Ask Him, and spend some time dialoguing with Him in prayer.

2.   Think a little bit about your past. How has God used troublesome circumstances to shape you for His glory? Write down the things He shows you and thank Him for working through these situations to make you more like Him.

3.   At the core of the Christian life is a process called dying to self. Like David, we need to lay down our “rights” and the desires of the sinful self in order to let God lead. How might God be asking you to take your next step in dying to self today? Ask Him to help you in this.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 16

READ: 1 Samuel 23 & Psalm 54

God is definitely using David’s wilderness “adventures” to stretch and strengthen him. His band of followers has grown to 600, and though David continues to live on the run, he does not wallow in self-pity. He is being raised up as the next leader of the nation. When he hears about the attack on Keilah, he is moved to action. He seeks the Lord and receives affirmation to go in and fight. He and his band of men defeat the Philistines and save the city. Yet the Lord reveals to David that the men of Keilah will turn him over to Saul if he stays any longer, and so David is on the run again.

The events of the chapter are discouraging, describing a very out-of-breath David as he runs from place to place. It is when the men of Ziph seek to reveal him to Saul that David writes Psalm 54, again throwing himself into the arms of the Living God. God is faithfully shepherding his lamb, David. We see God’s mercy on him in the coming of Jonathan in verse 16. It is certain that Jonathan now knows that he will never inherit the kingdom, yet he declares faithfully his allegiance to David as friend and subject. What a joy this must have been for David! It was fully sufficient that God alone was on his side, but to have a friend in the flesh must have been such a blessing!

Meanwhile, Saul, in his warped frame of mind, is attaching God’s name to his hunt for David. In verse 7, Saul says of David, “God has given him into my hand.” And in verse 21 when the Ziphites have revealed David’s hiding place: “May you be blessed by the LORD, for you have had compassion on me.” We know from Saul’s heart and actions that he does NOT have the authority to use the Lord’s name, yet he claims it anyways. Not everyone who claims the name of the Lord has the Lord’s favour. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” This is also a word of warning to us. We cannot just claim the name of Jesus over everything we do and say. We cannot call a “blessing” what God has not blessed us with. Just because something seems to fall on our lap doesn’t mean that it is a “sign” or gift from the Lord. In fact it is foolish to call something a “sign from God” without having taken the time to seek His will, to pray, and to be saturated in His Word. We must be discerning. We must be grounded in the Word. We must take the time to seek the Lord on things and not make rash assumptions.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask God to give you a name of a fellow believer who is currently on their own “wilderness adventure.” Ask the Lord how you can pray for them and take some time to do that.

2.   Ask God to show you if you have, like Saul, been attaching God’s name to “blessings” or “signs” that aren’t really from Him. If He does reveal something to you, ask Him to give you correct thinking on the matter.

3.   Seeking God and His Word is not an option for the committed Christian. We see this truth demonstrated by both Saul and David. Saul claims God’s blessing when he is actually acting outside of God’s will. David takes the time to seek God diligently more than once in this chapter, and his diligence is vital. Had he not sought the Lord, the city of Keilah would have been destroyed, and had he not sought the Lord a second time, he would have been taken by Saul.

a.   Are you seeking the Lord diligently?

b.  If you notice that some things have gotten in the way of diligent time with the Lord, confess this to Him and make a new plan that can help you put Him on back on the throne.

c.   Spend some time seeking God now. Seek Him on a specific issue/question, or just seek to know Him better.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 15

READ: 1 Samuel 22:1-2 & Psalm 57, 1 Samuel 22:3-23 & Psalm 52

David’s life had taken a discouraging turn from his days as a shepherd and giant-slayer. The nation’s king was in hot pursuit of him. He had abandoned family and friends in order to escape the jealous king. Did he ever wish that God had not called him to be the future king? Did he ever long for his days as a shepherd? Were the memories of lions and bears a welcome relief from the fugitive life?

It is believed that while hiding out in the cave of Adullam, David composed Psalm 57. Dependents began to flock to the cave and a scraggily bunch started to collect. Perhaps this was both a relief and a burden to David. On one hand, he was not alone; on the other, he now had to lead others while still on the run from Saul. But God was teaching David greater dependency. Through all things, God was teaching David to seek after Him, to trust in His Word and to surrender Himself fully. Psalm 57 is David’s intimate and personal plea to the Lord, but he does not wallow in the throes of self. He looks to God. He knows God to be a God of mercy and refuge. He knows God to be the Most High – that, though a powerful earthly figure is in pursuit of him, his life finds its beginning and end in God and His sovereign ways. There is none higher than the God of heaven! And though David feels he is in a dark time, his prayer moves from a place of supplication to a place of declaration. He begins to glorify God, to put his stake of praise into the ground. Nothing – no earthly or spiritual enemy – can steal his heart of worship from the One his soul loves!

Chapter 22 goes on to describe the horrific events that took place when Saul found out that the priest of Nob had helped David. The result is a bloodbath. 85 priests are killed and the entire city – women and children included – falls to the edge of the sword. Saul’s irreverence and wickedness has reached new heights. Even his servants and officials think he is acting in haste and they will not step forward to murder these innocent people. Doeg the Edomite, however, had seen the whole thing and stepped forward to testify against David. When none of the officials would follow the order to strike down the priests, Doeg stepped up to the task. It is upon hearing of this event that David composed Psalm 52. In this Psalm, he declares the steadfast love and enduring faithfulness of God, despite the wicked actions of evildoers. It is a Psalm encouraging the faithful followers of Yahweh to hold confidently to His protection in times of trouble. David is such a model for us: in all kinds of circumstances, He runs straight to the Lord. The Lord truly is his refuge and his strength. If the events of his life have put him over the moon with joy, he pours out his heart to the Lord, and if his circumstances have brought him into the pit of darkness, he falls before the Lord. Let us seek to do the same! Let us seek to know and be known by our Creator in this way! And like David, whatever may come, let us trust in the steadfast love of the Lord and thank Him forever because He is good!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   David is going through a lot of trial – and there is more to come. Why do you think God allowed David so much trial? Why not just supernaturally strike Saul down and bring David into kingship? What benefit could come from this waiting period?

2.   What is a trial you have been, or are going through? Given what you just thought about David, think about your own situation. Why might God have allowed this in your life? Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminded us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Thank God for this truth in your life.

3.   Write your own psalm to the Lord today. Come, just as you are, before Him. Whether you are filled with joy, excitement, peace, sadness, discouragement – whatever! Bring your emotions before the Lord. And then, like David, put your stake of praise in the ground and declare the truth about who God is.

Foundations: 1 Samuel - Day 14

READ: 1 Samuel 21 & Psalm 34

1 Samuel 21 begins with an event that will have terrible repercussions in the next chapter. David and his small band of followers end up in Nob where they come, hungry, before the priest, Ahimelech. They ask for food, but there is none except for the bread of the Presence – holy bread meant only for priests and to be eaten in a holy place. But seeing David’s need, Ahimelech gives him and his men the bread of the Presence. Jesus commended this action in the book of Mark. Mark 2:23-28: One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as His disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Jesus was essentially saying that one must always look at the law through the lens of love. Following God’s commands are so important, but they must be followed with a heart of love. Jesus commended the priest for putting the spirit of the law – mercy and compassion – before the letter of the law – the duty itself. While God’s moral law is not optional for us as believers, we must seek to follow it out of our love for the Lord, and we must seek to extend the love and compassion of Christ to those around us.

David continues on his flight from Saul and ends up in Gath – the home of the Philistine, Goliath, whom David conquered. Thinking no one will recognize him, he aims to lay low for a while, but soon finds that the servants of the king know him by name, and know him to be a mighty warrior in Israel. In fear, David pretends that he is insane in order to discourage himself as a threat to the Philistines.

David was a worshiper at heart. Perhaps he loved to worship since he was a boy, but certainly his time with the flock gave him opportunity to meditate on God’s character. As a shepherd himself, he had begun a journey of allowing God to shepherd his heart. It is clear to see, when we read the Psalms, just why God called David a man after His own heart. David sought to know the heart of God. He sought to love what God loved and hate what God hated. He sought to get close into the presence of God. He revered the Lord as God Almighty and trusted in the salvation of Yahweh.

Psalm 34 is David’s song of thanksgiving, glorifying God for the protection he experienced when he encountered King Achish of Gath in 1 Samuel 21. He credits God as his Deliverer and encourages all who look to the Lord in this way. He speaks of God’s deliverance from fear; he declares the angelic protection given to those who fear the Lord; he proclaims God’s goodness for all who take refuge in Him; and he exalts the provision of the Lord. He urges the listener to fear the Lord, to refrain from evil and deception, to repent of sin and choose to do good, and to seek peace and pursue it. It is a wonderful Psalm, expressing thanksgiving to God, our Protector. David was a true worshiper because he exalted the Lord in plenty and in want, in victory and in defeat, in joy and in discouragement. This Psalm followed on the heels of a very close call. We can feel David’s joy and exultation as we read it. Let us seek to praise the Lord in all things like David, that we may also be called people who seek after the heart of God.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.   Ask God to speak to you about the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. The heart behind God’s law is love. Are there some things God has commanded of you that you feel a level of resentment towards? Ask God to reveal the law of love that is behind this command. Thank Him for it. Ask God to give you eyes of mercy and compassion today. 

2.   Ask God to fill you with His Spirit so that you can be a worshiper today. What can you do to keep your heart and mind focused on who He is, in spite of any circumstances?

3.   Spend time in prayer for the church. Pray that Christians in our church and in our nation would become true worshipers. Pray that the Canadian church would be driven to her knees in prayer. This is what David was doing when he penned his psalms – prayer and worship! Pray for an increased urgency for prayer in our nation.