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.
