Zechariah 12
-Another burden is revealed by Zechariah the prophet here in
this remarkable chapter. Jerusalem will be vigorously and ruthlessly attacked “in
that day,” which is no doubt the time of the return of Jesus Christ to earth.
The LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and
forms the spirit of man within him declares it (Zechariah 12:1). Jerusalem will
be made “a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around (Zechariah 12:2).”
Siege will encompass the city as well as Judah in general, but all who come
against the Holy City will find that it is a “heavy stone” and they will be “severely
injured (Zechariah 12:3).” The attackers will be befuddled with bewilderment
and blindness as the LORD strongly supports His chosen people in this time of calamity.
Judah will be like a firepot among pieces of wood. In other words, the wood
will burn up, but the pot will remain. Judah will be the “flaming torch” to the
sheaves. Judah will consume on the right hand and on the left all the
surrounding peoples, “while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their
own sites (Zechariah 12:4-6).” The LORD will save, the tents of Judah first as
well as the rest so as to give glory to the entire area rather than simply the
City of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. “In that day” the defenders
will be strong. Even the feeble will be like the mighty King David, and “the
house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them (the
attackers).” “And in that day I (God) will set about to destroy all the nations
that come against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:7-9).”
-Further, and absolutely essential, the Spirit of grace and
supplication will be poured out on the house of David and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem at that time. They will indeed look upon Him (the Messiah, Jesus
Christ) whom they have pierced (John 19:34-37, Revelation 1:7), and mourn for
their returned Savior whom they had denied for so long. They will weep bitterly
over Him for all the wasted years and those who perished from this world
without faith in the Messiah and Savior of it. Mourning all over the place and
regret as the end of the age is swallowed up in the coming Kingdom of our Lord
Jesus Christ (Zechariah 12:12-14).
-*Application* Our Jewish brethren will one day recognize
their Messiah for who He is. The mission to reach them with the gospel now at
this present time has had sporadic and minimal results, but when they do
receive their King and become completed, they have a zest and zeal for the
things of God that are unmatched. We need to continue to pray for the peace of
Jerusalem as we see the storm clouds gathering of apocalyptic proportions.
Remain vigilant in defending Israel and blessing them any way that you can as a
believer in Christ Jesus. There will be blessing for you if you do (Genesis 12:3).
God’s plan in the end will prevail, and He will deliver all who receive Him in
faith.
Verse to Memorize:
Zechariah 12:10
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