He Will Make a Way.

I introduced this difficult chapter of Zechariah 14 in a previous Blog. Indeed if verses 1 and 2 speak of God's incremental but certain judgment on Jerusalem culminating in the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70, the we have an amazing turn of events prior to the description of the New Heavens and the New Earth in verses 6-9. That incredible turn of events is recorded in verses 3-5:

³ Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. ⁴ On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. ⁵ You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

In this compressed form of prophetic literature it is possible that what Zechariah sees is God turning in defense of His people, His remnant and providing for them safety until the Second Coming of Christ.   Now dispensational, premillennial commentators would take exception to this.  Most would slot these verses in a place immediately after the Great Tribulation and just prior to the coming of Christ to set up an earthly millennial reign. 

It is clear that Zechariah is comparing this event with the original reader to a time ". . . when their ancestors "fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah"—an earthquake so devastating and memorable that it is mentioned also in Amos 1:1. Yohanan Aharoni (The Land of the Bible, tr. A.F. Rainey [London: Burns and Oates, 1966], p. 91) even suggests that it may have destroyed level VI at Hazor around 760 B.C." [1]

The Lord's coming will create an event not unlike this earthquake which will split the mountains and create a valley.  " This newly created valley will serve two purposes. (1) It will be an escape route for those who have remained behind in Jerusalem. East was the direction for a quick escape from the city in times of siege, as demonstrated by David in 2 Samuel 15: 16, 23, 30 and Zedekiah in 2 Kings 25: 4 . . . (2) The valley will serve another purpose, providing a path for the triumphal return of Yahweh to his seat of rule. Accompanying God will be “the holy ones.” [2]

We should not be surprised when we read the Bible and see God breaking into human history and find it described in human, physical terms.  Opponents of this interpretation suggest we "spiritualize" the Bible.  But that is simply not true.  The Holy Spirit often describes God's activities in human concepts (anthropomorphisms) (e.g. Joel 4:16; Amos 1-2; Micah 1:3-4; etc.).   McComiskey helps us by writing: "We need not understand them literally ... here in Zechariah we may look beyond the apocalyptic symbolism to the reality it portrays." [3]  "This symbolism," he adds, "Affirms that God will not allow his people to perish but will enter into time to preserve a remnant."

Let us consider for a moment the triumphant coming of the Lord with His holy ones. ""All the holy ones" will be in the Lord's retinue when he comes. These apparently include both believers and unfallen angels." [1]  This sounds very much like the 1 Thessalonians 4:16–5:2 (NIV),

¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever . . .  ¹ Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Not unlike Zechariah 14:1-2 which I anticipate stretches over centuries, so too we have these events compressed and covering large periods of time, graphically portrayed in anthropomorphic apocalyptic language, showing us again that God cares for and protects His remnant. As McCimskey affirms:

"In a sense it represents the climax of that activity, for God has been at work throughout the ages forming a people for his own, preserving them against hostile forces.  Little do we know how God's people have been sheltered in valleys of refuge within the upheavals of history." [4]

It has been so true, Father, that when the way seems dark and danger lurks on every side -- seen and unseen, You make a way.   As the songwriter penned so well: "God will make a way, where there seems to be no way;He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me."  You are the God who creates and sustains.  You save and preserve.  Oh that men and women would know You.  Those that put their trust in You, will never, ever be ashamed.  As this day unfolds help us to trust You more and praise You more for the known and unknown mercies which You grant to Your Elect.   May Jesus Christ be praised!

_____________________________________

1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/V. Two Prophetic Oracles: The Great Messianic Future and the Full Realization of the Theocracy (9:1-14:21)/B. The Second Oracle: The Advent and Reception of the Messiah (12:1-14:21)/2. The Messiah's return and his kingdom (14:1-21)/b. The tokens of the Messiah's return (14:3-8), Book Version: 4.0.2 

2. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 10360-10366). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
3. Zechariah, Thomas Edward McComiskey, The Minor Prophets, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Mich., USA, 1998, Page 1230
4. Ibid, Page 1231.

In That Day -- Salvation.

Jerusalem’s Enemies to Be Destroyed - Part 1

"Zechariah 12:1–13:6 represents an oracle from God that outlines his comprehensive plan for the renewal of his people . . . This salvation from God is only the first step in his plan for his people. He promises to produce penitence, provide cleansing, and remove idolatry and false prophecy from the land." [1]

The events in this passage seem to follow this order:

1. A siege and then a deliverance for Jerusalem and Judah (vv2–9); 
2. A spiritual renewal of Israel and the arrival of the Messiah (12:10–13:1); and 
3. The removal of wickedness and idolatry from Israel (13:2–6).

A key feature of this section of the repeated phrase "on that day":

• Zechariah 12:3 (NIV) ³ On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.
• Zechariah 12:4 (NIV) ⁴ On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the Lord. “I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations.
• Zechariah 12:6 (NIV) ⁶ “On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume all the surrounding peoples right and left, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.
• Zechariah 12:8 (NIV) ⁸ On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going before them.
• Zechariah 12:9 (NIV) ⁹ On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
• Zechariah 12:11 (NIV) ¹¹ On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be as great as the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
• Zechariah 13:1 (NIV) ¹ “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
• Zechariah 13:2 (NIV) ² “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.
• Zechariah 13:4 (NIV) ⁴ “On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive.

Those verses outline the storyline.  "The consistent use of the phrase “in that day” (17 times in 44 verses) demonstrates the eschatological nature of the oracle." [2]  Many expositors [3] view this apocalyptic prophecy in keeping with salvation of the nation of Israel, e.g. “and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”” (Romans 11:26–27, NIV).

The question that we are left to consider is this: Is this about ethnic Israel being restored and saved; or is the subject about the eschatological Israel of God, ultimately saved from her enemies?  Is it the Jerusalem of Palestine that is preserved; or is it the New Jerusalem - the Church?  We will pursue that in this very difficult passage in the next Blog.

Thank you Father, that in spite of our human weakness and uncertainty about such things as who and when, there is no doubt in Your eternal and perfect mind.  You are a God that says, "In that day;" and You know exactly what day.  And there is another thing that begs no doubt: You will save Your people.  This is for sure: “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:10–12, NIV).  You are the eternal God “. . . who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit . . ..” (Zechariah 12:1, NIV).  There is none like You.   Grant grace and mercy today.  Save us from the Wicked One.  Work in us what is pleasing to You. And because of Your grace may we be found to work for Your Kingdom even more diligently, not that we are working, but You are working within.  Amen!

____________________________________________
1. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 9497-9500). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Zec 12:1–9). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
3. The spiritual conversion of Israel is described in 12:10–13:6. God’s ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem is not political favoritism. Rather it is rooted in a spiritual renewal, which itself is an act of God’s grace. Out of deep conviction and as a result of the action of God’s Holy Spirit, the Jewish people will turn in national and individual repentance to accept the One whom they had previously rejected (11:12). - Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 12:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

God's Rejection of Ethnic Israel

The Rejection of the Messianic Shepherd-King (Zechariah 11:1-17)

After the hopeful and assured future prophesied for God's people Zechariah picks up, again, the subject of the leaders.  

“Open your doors, Lebanon, so that fire may devour your cedars! Wail, you juniper, for the cedar has fallen; the stately trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan; the dense forest has been cut down! Listen to the wail of the shepherds; their rich pastures are destroyed! Listen to the roar of the lions; the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined!” (Zechariah 11:1–3, NIV)  

Expositors debate whether this solemn forecast belongs to Chapter 10 or if this starts a new thought. I side with the latter.  As the commentary notes: "The names in the text—Lebanon, Bashan, and Jordan—seem to favor this approach. Part of the fulfillment would be the destruction and further subjugation of that whole area by the Romans, including the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 under Emperor Vespasian and General Titus, as well as the later fall of Masada. This action quelled one of several Jewish rebellions against Rome." [1]

The prophet then turns to one shepherd (vv4-17), who previously appointed acts on behalf of the flock before abandoning them.  "Verses 4–14 (especially 8–13) describe the reason for the coming devastation—Israel rejects their Good Shepherd." [2]  

“So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. In one month I got rid of the three shepherds. The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them and said, “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.” Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord.” (Zechariah 11:7–11, NIV)  

The two staffs, maintaining the shepherding metaphor obviously refer to covenants. "Favor or no'am symbolizes God’s blessing on His people (Psa 90:17) . . .  union (chovelim) is the outcome of leadership guided by divine favor." [3]  This likely refers to the lifting of God's protection over the nation and also predicts the dividing of the nation.  "God set aside His kind and gracious protection and His providential care for His people, allowing Rome to invade and destroy Israel (cf. Luke 19:41–44; 21:24)." [4]

“I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.” (Zechariah 11:12–13, NIV)  

Thirty pieces of silver was "according to Exodus 21:32, was the price to be paid to the master whose slave had been gored by an ox! A sound slave was considered to be worth twice that amount . . . To cast something unto the potter is idiomatic for throwing away something of little value to one who deals in things that are of insignificant value." [5]

This is the ultimate insult—Messiah, God’s Good Shepherd, rejected and worth only the price of a ruined and disabled slave.  Now, in this highly poetic chapter, Zechariah describes the foolish shepherd that will replace the Good Shepherd.  He will allow ungodly rulers to come in and destroy the nation, particularity pointing to the destruction of Israel at a future date; possibly in A.D. 70.

So the big picture is important.  Because Israel rejected the Messiah, in His place, God will send a Destructive Shepherd who will decimate the land.  But we need to remind ourselves of the previous prophecies: this Messiah will return and gather all who believe: both Jew and Gentile into one people who He will Shepherd and bring into His eternal kingdom. 

Jesus clearly spoke of this reality when He entered into Jerusalem for the last time.  Matthew 21:42–44 (NIV) records these solemn words:

⁴² Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? ⁴³ “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. ⁴⁴ Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Father, had not we received the hope of Your eternal Kingdom under the reign of King Jesus, this chapter would be emotionally crushing.  Thank you that you always give hope and grace, even in the view of decimating and debilitating news.  The physical nation of Israel had and has rejected You and You have rejected them.  But You have not rejected Your plan of redemption.  From the beginning You chose to draw out from Israel and the rest of the world a people -- a people who would bear fruit.  By the Spirit, through the blood of Christ and by means of faith in the Gospel, this people is being built.  Praise God.  Lord, may today prove, in my life, to be an enriching, Gospel-centered day that bears much fruit -- fruit that will remain.  For Your glory and Your Kingdom.  Amen.

_______________________________

1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/V. Two Prophetic Oracles: The Great Messianic Future and the Full Realization of the Theocracy (9:1-14:21)/A. The First Oracle: The Advent and Rejection of the Messiah (9:1-11:17)/2. The rejection of the messianic Shepherd-King (11:1-17)/a. The prologue (11:1-3), Book Version: 4.0.2

2. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 11:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Zec 11:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

4. The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1353). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

5. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1833). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

See .... Your King! You Didn't Recognize Him? Let me tell you why ....

The King Enters Jerusalem

Zechariah's writing is very apocalyptic and eschatological.  That means that it is cryptic, figurative (in a sense) and points towards distant events.  But it also has a real and relative message to the Jewish exiles to continue to build the Temple.  Zechariah's point is that by believing in a real and future hope, this would excite and energize the exiles in their building program.

As noted previously, Chapter 9 informs us of the returning king to Jerusalem.  He sweeps with might and power bring judgment on all the opposing nations.  In verses 9-10, he enters Jerusalem.  The passage is familiar to Christians:

⁹ Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. ¹⁰ I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

"Verses 7-8 in particular form a transition to vv.9-10, which the Talmud and the Midrashim take as messianic. The treatment here likewise classifies vv.9-10 as "direct" messianic prophecy, though some prefer the "typical" category." [1]   This King comes in start contrast to other conquering kings. It is not that he is only victorious.  He is righteous.  He is just.  He comes in humility, not trusting in the weaponry of war.  

"This verse appears to assume the royal tradition of Genesis 49: 10– 11, 31 in which Judah will produce a king for Israel who will ride on a “donkey . . . colt.” 32 This use of donkey imagery for a royal procession can also be traced into the reign of David (2 Sam . 16: 2) and the coronation ceremony of Solomon (1 Kings 1: 33, 38)." [2]   His reign is peaceful and universal.  Particularly He proclaims peace to the "nations" -- the gōyim, the Gentiles, nations, non-Jews.  This is clearly none other that the Son of David, Christ the Lord. "The gospel writers quote this verse, applying it to our Lord’s earthly life, particularly to the so-called Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (cf. Mt 21:5, Mk 11:9; Jn 12:15)." [3]

"The form in Zechariah 9:10 is identical to that found in Psalm 72: 8-11, where the extent of the king’s rule reveals global domination.” [4]   When we read and understand the New Testament we see that opposite to what we expect, the Kingdom of Jesus although present and inaugurated, is in fact realized incrementally.  Indeed when Christ did come to Jerusalem, the Divine commentary was “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11, NIV).   So it was not ethnic Israel -- Israel after the flesh that received Him, but the True Israel -- the Church. To the Church, He is King.

All glory laud and honor

To Thee Redeemer King

To whom the lips of children

Made sweet hosannas ring

Thou art the King of Israel

Thou David's royal Son

Who in the Lord's name comest

The King and Blessed One [5]

Father the talk of kingdoms, reign, rule, subjection, submission, obeisance; along with the talk of war, conquest, punishment and destruction seems so politically incorrect -- almost antithetical to what we think of when we consider Christianity. But none of this offensive; it is all but delight, when the cake is iced with reality that our conquering, ruling King is Jesus.  He comes with peace and salvation.  He comes with humility and grace.  But He comes.  He comes to rule.  He comes to rule the Universe.  All the billions of galaxies and all the billions of people will bow and confess to Him that He is Lord.  We may bow today.  Jesus You are Lord.  Jesus You are my Lord.  I gladly confess You as my King.  My confession doesn't make You my King.  My confession acknowledges that I am conquered, defeated subject who enjoys happiness that is unspeakable and hope that is incomprehensible.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit who spoke peace and life into my heart, awakened me to the Savior and granted me the grace to believe in faith that You are who You say You are; and You will do what You say You will do.  Praise the King.  Hallelujah. 

_____________________________________________

1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/V. Two Prophetic Oracles: The Great Messianic Future and the Full Realization of the Theocracy (9:1-14:21)/A. The First Oracle: The Advent and Rejection of the Messiah (9:1-11:17)/1. The advent of the messianic King (9:1-10:12)/b. The advent of Zion's King (9:9-10), Book Version: 4.0.2

2. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 8213-8216). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1825). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

4. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 8235-8238). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

5. John Mason Neale | Melchior Teschner | Theodulph Of Orleans © Words: Public Domain 

 

I Will Return ... My Temple Shall Be Rebuilt.

The Man Among the Myrtle Trees - Part 2

Previously we grasped the sense of this first of eight visions in a earlier Blog.  The entire vision is found in  Zechariah 1:7–17.  The message of this vision is that "What appears to be an anomaly: nations at peace; Israel in a state of unrest, is going to be reversed. God is going to return mercy to His people; rebuild His House; and pour out blessing on His Nation."

What about the details in this vision, though?  What is there to learn from them?  There's a:

1. Man mounted on a red horse.
2. There are myrtle trees -- in a ravine.
3. Behind the man on the red horse are three other horses: red (speckled (Hebrew: sarōq, i.e., bay, speckled, fox-colored; hence, sorrel) is a mixture of the other colors), brown, and white.

The man on the red horse is identified for us in verse 11 as the Angel of the LORD. This is clearly a Christophany -- a pre-incarnate appearance of the Second Person of the Trinity: the Son of God.

The myrtle trees were ornamental plants or shrubs that were native to Syria—their appearance in the scene would link the vision to Israel’s past exile in Babylon." [1]  That they are seen in a ravine may speak of the suppressed condition of the nation at that time. 

The three horses behind the Christophany are angels sent to patrol the earth, observing the activities of mankind and acting as agents of God's providence.  Some might speculate as the colors of these horses, but there is little evidence that we can do that with certainty.

They significance of all this is clear.  We read, “Then the angel of the Lord said, “Lord Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?”” (Zechariah 1:12, NIV).  This is the amazing, intercessory ministry of Christ for His people.   Note:

"The angel of the Lord was moved to intercede for the people of Judah. He desired the completion of the process of restoration which required the reconstruction of the temple, Jerusalem, and the other towns of Judah . . . Through intercession suggestive of our Lord's high priestly prayer as our Mediator (John 17), the angel of the lord prayed that in the mercy of God this situation would be rectified." [2]

As this is the appearance of the Christ, and he says “I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt" (v16),” then surely He is referring to His Advent, when He comes incarnate to Jerusalem and promises to “. . .  build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18, NIV).  The Apostles clearly understood that the promise of Jesus Christ to rebuild the Temple was occuring as the Gospel was going from Jerusalem to the salvation of the Gentiles (see Acts 15:12-17).  

What is this "surveyors line"?  ("and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem" [3]). "The “surveyor’s line” (v. 16) is a measuring line and indicates Jerusalem’s expansion." [4]  Notice Jeremiah 31:38–40 (NIV),

³⁸ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when this city will be rebuilt for me from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. ³⁹ The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah. ⁴⁰ The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the Lord. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished.”

What city will never be uprooted again?   Jerusalem?  No!  But a heavenly Jerusalem will never be overcome.  This is speaking of a time, not when a physical temple is built, but a spiritual, organic, universal Temple is built that will endure for eternity.  In compressed, telescopic reality, Zechariah is foretelling the coming of the Lord and that comfort that He will rebuild the Temple -- the Church, His People.  "The temple Zechariah encouraged his people to build was itself prophetic. It pointed toward realities that ultimately found their full realization in the coming of Christ, because the temple was the place that confirmed God’s relationship with his people." [5]

I thank you Father that Your promise to Zechariah is an ongoing reality.  Today, with unspeakable joy we witness the re-building of Your Temple.  Rather than stone bricks, it's made of hearts of flesh. Rather than built by might and power, it is being built by the almighty power of Your Spirit.  Rather than located in a city in the Middle East, it extends to every nation, every tongue, every tribe.  Your Church is glorious, not because of its essence, but because Your Son, died and shed His blood to bring it into being.  I thank You that this is a City that will never be demolished.  The gates of Hell will never prevail.  Your glorious, radiant, blood-bought Church will endure to bring You glory for ever and ever.  May Christ be praised.   Thank you for the privilege to be part of the establishment of Your Kingdom.  I am totally unnecessary and totally useless.  So grant the grace to serve in the strength You give, that we might see Your kingdom extend to all the nations, until all the kingdoms of this world, become the Kingdom of our God and Savior.  Amen and amen!

____________________________________________________

1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1796). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/II. A Series of Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8)/A. The First Vision: The Horseman Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7-17), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Zec 1:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 1:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

5. Williams, M. (2012). How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture (155). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Words of Comfort, Words of Kindness, From the Lord of Hosts.

The Man Among the Myrtle Trees - Part 1

Zechariah receives 8 visions.  They all came in one night. ("Since the date notice—the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month Shebat (January-February), in the second year of Darius (519 B.C.)—accompanies the first vision, and the next time reference is not until 7:1, it is assumed that all eight visions came one after another on a single night (v. 8)." [1]  They do form a unity of revelation. There is an overall message.   The first vision in Zechariah 1:7–17 is important to setting the unit of thought. This is the vision of the man among the myrtle trees.

“During the night I had a vision, and there before me was a man mounted on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses.” (Zechariah 1:8, NIV).  Who were these myrtle trees?  Who were the horses?  A man (The Angel of the Lord) standing in the grove of myrtle trees explained to Zechariah: "They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth" (v10). They report to the Angel of the Lord what is going on around the world.  "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace" (v11).  How is it possible that the whole world is at peace when God's people are in such disarray?

The Angel of the Lord asks the Lord Almighty, "How long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah,a which you have been angry with these seventy years?" (v12) So with kind and comforting words, the Lord Almighty said,

 “Then the angel who was speaking to me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they went too far with the punishment.’ “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty. “Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’ ”” (Zechariah 1:14–17, NIV)

What appears to be an anomaly: nations at peace; Israel in a state of unrest, is going to be reversed. God is going to return mercy to His people; rebuild His House; and pour out blessing on His Nation. While evil seems to prosper, God's heart is attuned to His people. "“Although God's covenant people are troubled while the oppressing nations are at ease, God is "jealous" for his people and will restore them, their towns, and the temple." [2]

There is a lot more here to consider next, however, it is good to recognize that "the distinctive features of comfort for Israel in this first vision are: (1) the presence of the Angel of Jehovah in the midst of degraded and depressed Israel; (2) His loving and yearning intercession for them; (3) the promises of future blessings." [2] 

The Psalmist wrote: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.” (Psalm 85:8, NIV).  

Father, what nourishment to my soul to hear words of peace at the start of this day. Unlike Zechariah's day, the nations are in uproar.  Today there is fear and futility everywhere.  And what mercy to hear words of comfort for You today.  “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37–39, NIV).  Grant to me and all who love You, this resounding confidence that You are ever committed to Your people and nothing can separate us from Your love.  May this confidence breed holiness.  May this peace erupt in Christ-exalting perseverance in our walk with You.  “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17, NIV)

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________
1. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 1:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/II. A Series of Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8)/A. The First Vision: The Horseman Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7-17), Book Version: 4.0.2

Sinai, the City and Slavery

Galatians 4:24–27 (NIV),

²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”

We believe that Paul wrote these things under the direct inspiration of the Spirit. Because of the infallible leading of the Spirit, Paul had permission to do something we do not, that is, make figurative or allegorical conclusions from real biblical events. See my blog HERE that describes an example of that.  In this case we are told that Hagar and Sarah, previously mentioned, also produce a figurative lesson for us. "Abraham is a figure of God, which hath two sons, that is to say, two sorts of people who are represented by Ishmael and Isaac. These two are born unto him by Agar and Sarah, the which signifieth the two Testaments, the Old and the New." [1]

The giving of the Law and the constituting of a people (Israel) is likened to Hagar's son.  They are people born of the flesh; carnal and not sons of promise. Sinai, constitutionally brought a great people into existence, but a people born not of promise.  Israel as a nation, according to the flesh, are not heirs of God, but servants.   "Ishmael then is not the heir, although he be the natural son of Abraham, but remaineth a bondman. What is here lacking? The promise and the blessing of the Word." [1] (see previous blog HERE for explanation.)

Then Paul continues the allegory and says that as as Hagar represents Sinai, so too does it prefigure the earthly Jerusalem. "That earthly Jerusalem (saith he) which is beneath, having the policy and ordinances of the law, is Agar, and is in bondage with her children; that is to say, she is not delivered from the law, sin and death. But Jerusalem which is above, that is to say, the spiritual Jerusalem, is Sarah." [1]  So what is this heavenly Jerusalem?  "Now this heavenly Jerusalem which is above, is the Church, that is to say, the faithful dispersed throughout the whole world, which have one and the same Gospel, one and the same faith in Christ, the same Holy Ghost, and the same Sacraments." [1]  This is supported by the writer to the Hebrews and the Apostle John:

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22–24, NIV) 

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2, NIV)  

"The heavenly Jerusalem is a free mother with free children." [2]  (This is an important segue into Chapter 5).  And then Paul quotes Isaiah 54:1.  There was a sense where the Church was hidden for many years.  The Church, even as Sarah, birthed no children.  Paul called this “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.” (Colossians 1:26, NIV).  But she who was thought to be barren will bear many, many children.  "As Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 54:1), the exile did not spell the end for the people of God. God will again work supernaturally to bring about the (new) birth of children where there are none, even among the Gentiles." [3]

God never intended the nation of Israel, ethnic Israel, Israel born from and under the Law, to bring spiritual fruit.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6).  No there is a spiritual Israel, the true people of God, born of the Spirit who are the spiritual offspring and promise of God.  We as New Covenant people know that this productive people are called the Church.   

Father, how sad it is that millions of people, including Christians are seeking to find hope within the ethnic nation of Israel.  They are looking for Your Presence among the lands of Palestine and in the ancient city of Jerusalem.  Yet Father Your Word is plain and clear that hope is found in the true Church, the Body of Christ; and it is there where You are loved, adored and worshiped that we can know Your Presence. Israel according to the flesh will never bring forth spiritual children; but the Israel of God, the Church is "appointed to bear fruit. Fruit that remains."  For that we sing. For that we rejoice.  At the same time we pray for the many zealous Jews and the many deluded Christians who are looking to Palestine for freedom. What bondage they are in.  Freedom is Your gift to us who look to You within the Spirit-wrought New Covenant. Praise God, Jehovah has sent His Messiah; and His Messiah reigns!  May all see Christ and sing for joy.  Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, on men to whom God is well pleased.  Amen.

____________________________________________

1.  Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:24-26). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2394). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 

3, Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2253). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Consultation Without Veneration

Galatians 2:6–7 (NIV),

⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. ⁷ On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.

Paul taught that the Gentiles too could be saved apart from merit, only by faith in Christ.  This was the issue of dissension after his conversion.  “Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.” (Galatians 2:1, NIV).  Likely 14 years after his Damascus experience Paul went to Jerusalem to deal with these things.  "Nay rather, I glory that in going up to Jerusalem by the revelation of God, and not at the commandment of the Apostles, and there conferring my Gospel with them, I brought to pass the contrary, that is to say, obtained that the Apostles did approve me, and not those which were against me." [1]

Paul, wisely discussed the matter with the Apostles so that he would be sure "was not running or had not run in vain."  Peter, James and John all agreed that Paul's message was from God.  Paul was on good ground to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.” (Galatians 2:10, NIV).

Paul now gives the reason why he went to Jerusalem and consulted the Apostles. “This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.” (Galatians 2:4, NIV)

"Now, where he speaketh of the truth of the Gospel, he sheweth that there be two gospels, a true and a false gospel. Indeed, the Gospel of itself is one, simple, true, and sincere: but by the malice of Satan’s ministers it is corrupt and defaced . . . Now the truth of the Gospel is, that our righteousness cometh by faith alone, without the works of the law. The corruption or falsehood of the Gospel is, that we are justified by faith, but not without the works of the law. With this condition annexed, the false apostles preached the Gospel." [1]

“We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” (Galatians 2:5, NIV). Assurance, hope and confidence only come from the true Gospel. "For faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it hath nothing else to lean unto, but this precious pearl Christ Jesus." [1]

Luther will not be backward about disagreeing and even disobeying those who pervert the Gospel. For to do so would not only bring harm to the Gospel.  But to do so would also endanger our liberty in Christ and indeed our faith.

Paul shows us in this passage of the Churches responsibility to others in authority or ministry.  To those that subvert the Gospel, he has no time or patience.  To true Apostles he offers esteem and respect without idolizing them.

Father, today I give you thanks for the men and women that have shaped and influenced my life. I thank you that many times my soul has been refreshed and my heart established by their instruction and teaching.  These dear brothers and sisters are a gift from You.  Thank you, Father.  There have been some of high office and influence in the world.  Keep me from man-worship.  For they too are people who have feet of clay.   Father there are also men that have surrounded me that I highly regard and often seek their counsel.  But they too are fellow-plodders.   In all my relationships, Father, I pray that you will grant me holy insight and courageous boldness to discern and disregard those that are false.  They intend to steal, rob and destroy.  Preserve Your Gospel in the Church, for the sake of Christ and the freedom of Your people.  Amen.

__________________________________

1.  Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 2:2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.