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).
