And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:6-7, which the commentary outlines as the fifth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Here, after the Lord removes Joshua's sin - see also previous two posts - the angel of the Lord (recognized by previous commentary as prophecy of Jesus) "solemnly assure[s] Joshua" that if he walks in God's ways and stay obedient to Him, then Joshua would rule in the temple (God's house) and have charge in his courts, which is rule over the government - essentially a religious and political leader.  One should not miss the back half of v7 where the angel of the Lord gives Joshua (if he walks in God's ways and is obedient) "right of access" among those who are standing here, which for believers is all persons of the Holy Trinity - including God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  What an incredible assurance!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You are available to me as promised here - thank You Jesus!  What an incredible assurance.  I am not deserving of such access and the associated blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by. Zechariah 3:4-5

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:4-5, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary provides a theme for vv4-5 by providing the following title for this division: God Wants Us to Feel Guilty When We Are Guilty.  It then shares: "God wants us to feel guilty when we actually are guilty, because only then will we bring our guilt to Him and be forgiven. Apart from the convicting work of God, we are likely to keep deceiving ourselves and continuing in our sin, even as our sin destroys us."  The commentary continues by highlighting that it is Joshua's guilt that drives him into the arms of the Lord to seek forgiveness.  God that cleanses Joshua of his sin and then makes it clear by sharing with others that this has been done. The commentary further describes: "[t]here is no lingering doubt in our minds about where we stand with God."  The commentary also emphasizes that we should remain humble recognizing that until we face Jesus face to face on Judgement Day, we will continue to sin and should seek to go to Him for forgiveness (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me mercies that are new every morning and that never cease.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these mercies and for Your forgiveness.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by. Zechariah 3:4-5

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:4-5, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Today's verses pivot from the previous two posts, which focused on how Satan seeks to either make us feel hopeless about our sin, or how Satan wants us to feel "accustomed" or "comfortable" with our sin so that continue in it.  Vv4-5 depict how God removes our iniquity from us - of course we must have a repentant heart and seek God's forgiveness.  When we have a repentant heart and ask Him for forgiveness, God removes our sin from us, and we are righteous in His eyes - also known as imputed righteousness.  Thank You Jesus for how You do this for us!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on flesh and willingly giving up Your life so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity with You in Heaven.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:3, which the commentary outlines as the third of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10). The commentary shares Satan Wants Us to Feel Innocent When We Are Guilty as the title for this single verse 3.  The commentary then shares two ways that Satan seeks to keep us from going to God for forgiveness when we sin.  The first way is to make us feel "hopeless," that God cannot and will not forgive us.  The second strategy God uses to keep us from going to Him for forgiveness is when we feel normal - that nothing is wrong with our sin - when we sin, so we continue in the sin.  This latter strategy is in play with v3.  The commentary then describes Joshua's condition in the Hebrew translation as being "filthy" in the strongest possible terms, including excrement.  The commentary shares that "Joshua is standing there, trying to serve the Lord, yet he is absolutely contaminated. The irony, though, is that Joshua seems to think he is acceptable. After all, he is “dressed,” showing that he considers himself to be prepared to serve and minister in the temple. He is standing before the Angel of the Lord, apparently believing that he is ready to do God’s work and to be in the Lord’s presence. He thinks he is fine. This is a portrait of how Satan will work when we are contaminated with sin. He will try to convince us that we are innocent, even when there is great guilt in our lives."  We are referred to 1 John 1:8 and 10 where John shares that we all sin and need a savior - all of humanity.  We are encouraged to practice the spiritual disciplines, particularly daily Bible study and prayer as a means for us to abide and remain in Him and Him in us. See also John 15:1-11. We need to stay close God for God to stay close to us.  The commentary wraps with "we open ourselves us to Satan’s deception. He wants us to feel innocent when we are guilty so that we deceive ourselves and continue in our sin."  Draw near to God!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that helps me - by giving me faith, and by giving me mercies that are new every morning and never cease!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.   Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zechariah 3:3, which the commentary outlines as the third of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Here the actors in this vision include an angel of the Lord, the Lord, Satan, and the high priest Joshua.  Vv1-2 depict Satan accusing Joshua of being guilty of sin and the Lord rebuking Satan. In v3, Joshua stands in filthy garments, reflecting not just how he is guilty of sin but how all of humanity is broken and sinful and in need of forgiveness of sin and salvation.  See also Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 1 John 1:8).  We need this reminder of how our sin leads us to eternal damnation unless we are saved by Jesus Christ, and this salvation is a gift of God, not something we do on our own (Ephesians 2:8). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who forgives and saves - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving how You impart righteousness and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love you with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Zechariah 3:2

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:2, which the commentary outlines as the second of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary aptly provides the theme for how it sees the text: God Wants Us to Feel Sorrowful When We Are Guilty.  First the commentary shares that "God’s sovereign ability to reprimand Satan in this manner is a reminder that the Lord and Satan are by no means equal forces in the universe. As powerful as Satan’s tactics against God and God’s people can be, he is no match for the Lord. Accordingly, when Yahweh rebukes Satan, the enemy becomes silent. The commentary then shares how the fire at the end of v2 describes the opposition, oppression, and exile/captivity of God's people.  At the same time, we are exhorted to see how such trials are designed to shape us into more of God's image: "God’s Word commands us, “Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?” (see Hebrews 12:6-7). God wants His children to feel grief and sorrow over our sin because grief and sorrow over sin are the ways that God brings us back to Him" (see also 2 Corinthians 7:10).  Satan wants us to see the shame and guilt of our sin with no hope.  God, instead, provided His Son Jesus Christ as a way out to have forgiveness and victory over sin and death.  The commentary concludes with: "God loves believers so much that He won’t allow us to sin and feel good about it. However, unlike the way Satan attacks us with guilt, God’s kind of guilt will never lead us to hopelessness and despair. Instead, He will allow His people to experience godly sorrow over their sin so that they will return to Him. He’s always ready for us to return to Him so that we can be forgiven." Amen!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives us hope - the victory over sin and death is already won.  Thank You Jesus!  You are an awesome God who loves us.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message to me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” Zechariah 3:2

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:2, which the commentary outlines as the second of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Building on yesterday's post (and the day before) which explored v1, v2 looks at how Jesus is provident over all sin and Satan.  So, yes Satan seeks to separate us from Jesus but for believers that remain close to God through spiritual disciplines nothing can separate us from the love of God and how He protects us (see also Romans 8:38-39).  We already know the victory over sin and death is won! God is provident over all sin and Satan.  Thank You Jesus!  Please help me remain near to You and in fellowship with You!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ar an awesome God who loves me and who protects me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and how You protect me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  For the entirety of 3:1-10, the commentary shares this historical context: "[t]he people of Judah have come back to Jerusalem after spending years in Babylonia in exile. They have been back in the land of Israel now for about 20 years. God’s people have started rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. But because they faced great opposition from the others who live in the area of Jerusalem, the people have stopped rebuilding the temple. Zechariah, who prophesied 520 years before the time of Christ, has been sent as God’s messenger, calling them to return to the Lord. With the guidance of an interpreting angel, God has shown Zechariah eight visions, of which this is the fourth." The commentary then (1) outlines three actors in this vision, Joshua, angel of the Lord, and Satan, and (2) provides "six principles regarding what Satan does and what God does concerning our guilt. These six principles are actually three pairs of principles. The first half of each pair shows how Satan deceives us in our guilt, while the second half shows how God tells us the truth."

The broad theme specifically for the first division - v1 - is that "[w]hen we are legitimately guilty [of sin] before God, Satan uses our guilt to make us feel hopeless so that we will stay far from God."  V1 depicts Satan standing with Joshua "pointing to his sin."  The commentary wants us to understand that Satan is real: "according to God’s Word, Satan is indeed real. He’s not merely a representation of evil or a fantasy character invented to frighten people. The Bible talks about Satan as a real spiritual personality. And just as he accused Joshua the high priest, Satan is our accuser. He opposes and attacks all of God’s people."  We are referred to Revelation 12:10 where Satan is described as accusing and opposing believers day and night before God. The commentary also points us to John 8:44 where Satan is described as a consummate liar.  We are warned about Satan as he seeks to separate us from God and the love and hope He provides. The commentary concludes by sharing: "[Satan] comes into the presence of God and tells the truth about us. We are sinners. We are sinful. We have done, said, and thought things that offend and displease our holy God. But Satan’s accusations against us are always accompanied by hopelessness. He not only accuses us of having sinned, which is true, but he also tells us that we are beyond God’s reach, which is a lie. Satan uses our guilt as his weapon to make us feel hopeless and to keep us from God."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives sinners like me hope - I know that You have already defeated sin and death, and that I can come to You for mercies every morning that never cease.  Thank you Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Here, we pivot (see post yesterday) from a vision of restoration and blessing for God's people, to a vision where Satan appears to condemn Joshua the high priest based on His previous sin.  Satan knows God's people are human and as such are imperfect, broken and sinful.  God has provided a vision and a path, however, to restoration, forgiveness, and to fellowship with God.  If we stand with God, vs with Satan, God will protect us.  Standing and walking with God requires effort - spiritual disciplines: prayer and study of God's Word, corporate worship with your brothers and sisters in Christ, etc.  God sees His elect who walk with Him as righteous in His eyes. See also Romans 8:1.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion.  You see me as righteous in Your eyes and I am not condemned.  Thank You Jesus for giving grace and salvation.  I am not deserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”

 Zechariah 2:1-13

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah 2:10-12

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 2:1-13, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  The commentary broadly describes the theme of these verses as "God's desire to restore and rebuild" Jerusalem.  It then shares how this message would have been surprising given how "the city was in such ruin and so unstable that very few wanted to live in it, preferring the surrounding area in Judah" (see also Nehemiah 11:1-2).  The commentary then outlines in detail four elements of God's message for His people:

1. The exiles remaining in Babylon should return to Jerusalem as quickly as possible (vv6-7)
2. The nations that had been harming Israel will be judged (vv8-9)
3. God will bless Israel and many nations through Israel (vv10-12)
4. All people should be silent in the presence of the Lord (v13)
   

The commentary wraps for this text by emphasizing how, "[b]ecause of His love for His people, God placed Israel under His own protective and powerful care....God’s overwhelming love for us that protects us, draws us back to Himself, and renews us is the ultimate root of God’s extreme jealousy for us. He will not let us go, because we are precious to Him!"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who restores, comforts, protects, and so much more!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”

 Zechariah 2:1-13

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah 2:10-12

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 2:1-13, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  Here, we see another vision - this time of two angels, delivering of message to God's people promising stability, prosperity, and protection from the Lord - see vv1-5. This message of restoration, following a period of captivity and exile in Babylonia.  V6 shares how God will bring about punishment for those who oppress Judah, including Babylonia.  Vv10-12 offer great encouragement to Judah and by extension all of God's people who feel oppressed and separated from God's love.  God's people are to sing and rejoice as God will be in our midst - alas He is as Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, Emmanuel.  We will enjoy fellowship with God as He will always be with us via the Holy Spirit.  God's glory will be such that many nations will "join themselves to the Lord."  How incredible!  What a vision and prophecy of how God will make His name great for all the world to see.  Certainly a message appropriate for Christmas!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being in my midst, giving me fellowship with You.  What an incredible blessing!  I am not deserving of how You live in my heart, and how You send the Holy Spirit to be amongst Your people.  I am not deserving of how I can never be separated from Your love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

 

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.

 Zechariah 1:18-21

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it. Zechariah 1:21

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:18-21, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  The commentary first shares how horns in Jewish culture represented a "measure of [an] animal's power," and how this also represented political or military power.  We are referred to both Micah 4:13 and Daniel 7:24 for text elsewhere in scripture for use horns and descriptions of power.  It then shares how the horns here in Zechariah "clearly portray total domination of the people of Israel by the powers that attacked and conquered them."  The four craftsmen are described as "God’s instruments to bring justice to the nations that had abused God’s people."  The commentary suggests the use of craftsmen "is meant to evoke the idea that just as a craftsman does his work slowly, carefully, and skillfully, so God skillfully works His justice in His own time. Also, sometimes we can only understand the work of a craftsman once it is finished. In the same way, God’s ultimate justice will only be fully understood when time has drawn to a close and God’s purposes are complete."  The commentary then encourages us to view justice in our own lives similarly: "sometimes we look at our lives and, from our limited earthly human perspective, we cannot see the pattern or the plan. We cannot see God’s justice at work, and life looks incredibly messy and unfair. Life is not fair, but God is fair, God is just, and God is greater than this life."  Romans 8:28 offers encouragement how God is always at work for good. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE always at work, bringing justice to the world and working in all things for good - thank You Jesus for never resting and never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of these blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You....daily.  Please help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.

 Zechariah 1:18-21

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it. Zechariah 1:21

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:18-21, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). These verses describe a vision Zechariah has of four horns and four craftsmen, and how the horns represent the nations that have oppressed and "scattered" Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (v19).  The craftsmen represent to battle against the horns (v21) and to fulfill Zechariah's previous vision (vv7-17) where God will bring about stability to His people as He is "exceedingly angry" with those who have oppressed God's people.  The text presages how God will ultimately defeat Satan, sin and death during the end times as depicted in Revelation where we also see horns that represent the power of evil.  God's people can take comfort in how we know the battle for our souls has already been won and we can take refuge in God's protection and His loving arms.  See also Exodus 14:14 where Moses calms the anxious Israelites as it appears that the Egyptians will recapture God's people and bring them back to bondage. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on my sin and the sin of all humanity so that I could life, now and for eternity with You.  Thank You Jesus!! I am not deserving of how You interceded on my behalf and continue to do so....my sin continues and it is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.

 Zechariah 1:14-17

Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. Zechariah 1:16

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:14-17, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  Here, the commentary emphasizes God's mercy towards His people.  It shares how they were deserving of punishment, which of course was captivity and exile, but the oppression of Israel by neighboring nations greatly angered God (v15), whereas His people's wickedness did not trigger the same level of anger.  As a result, God showed mercy towards Jerusalem and His people - as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:1-3.  The commentary describes four promises made to Zechariah and Israel from the text:

1. His returned presence: v16a
   
2. Restored stability: v16b
   
3. Rich blessing: v17a
   
4. Renewed favor: v17b
   

The commentary offers encouragement to all who seek comfort: "Whoever you are, wherever you have been, and whatever you have done, God longs to be merciful to you...You can come to the God of the universe, throw yourself at His feet, and He will show you mercy. God extends His mercy to us because of the cross of Jesus Christ. God’s people can count on His overflowing mercy." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your grace is amazing indeed and Your mercies are new every morning and never cease - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace and mercies.  I am not deserving...of course not!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.

 Zechariah 1:14-17

Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, declares the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. Cry out again, Thus says the LORD of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem. Zechariah 1:16-17

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:14-17, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  Here, v14 shares how God is "exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion."  God does not need it but He seeks glory for Himself only and He is jealous when His people give away their worship and glory to other gods that cannot compare to the One True God.  God is also angry with Judah's neighbors who have oppressed God's people and led them astray with worship of foreign gods - God is angry that these neighbors are at peace while God's people are struggling.  Vv16-17 then pivots to how God has "returned to Jerusalem with mercy," and how God's people will once again experience prosperity and the comfort of being in the arms of God.  Key once again to this prosperity, comfort, and fellowship with God is repentance of God's people.  God's patience is not unlimited and He is all powerful - knowing this and keeping in mind He knows all of our sin, we should run into His arms and stay there as reverent fear of God should serve as a preservative, keeping us from straying from Him.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and mercy that never ceases...thank You Jesus for this grace and mercy and that I can never be separated from Your love.  Amazing indeed.  Yet I am undeserving of such grace, mercy and love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve you, my family, my church, and others.  help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

“I saw in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.

 Zechariah 1:7-13

“I saw in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. Zechariah 1:8

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:7-13, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13) - as this first division is entitled We Can Depend on the Lord’s Overcoming Comfort by the commentary.  The commentary describes vv7-13 as a vision from the Lord: "Because God loves His people with a jealous, unfailing love, we can depend on His comfort, even when our enemies appear to be prospering and the consequences for our past failures linger. Through the Angel of the Lord, God extended overcoming comfort to Israel in four significant ways in this part of Zechariah’s vision:"

• God shows concern for His people
• God intercedes on behalf of His people
• God encourages His people
• God is intimately present in the lives of His people  

V8 is portrayed as a messianic prophecy of how "the Angel of the Lord 'stood among the myrtle trees in the valley'."  The commentary winds down its description of the text by sharing: "[d]uring Israel’s time of physical weakness, emotional anguish, and spiritual discouragement, the Son of God was in the midst of God’s people, as He is now[.]"  We are referred to Psalm 34:18.  Take comfort in how God is in our midst!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being with me and how I can never be separated from Your love - I am not deserving of my salvation, nor Your love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouse to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the angel of the LORD said, ‘O LORD of hosts, how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?’ And the LORD answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.

 Zechariah 1:7-13

Then the angel of the LORD said, ‘O LORD of hosts, how long will you have no mercy on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, against which you have been angry these seventy years?’ And the LORD answered gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. Zechariah 1:12-13

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:7-13, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  Here, scripture describes a vision of a horseman (vv7-17) - an angel - whose horses' purpose was to "patrol the earth" on behalf of the Lord (vv10-11).  The angel asks God how long He will show no mercy and be angry with Judah (v12) and God responds with "gracious and comforting words" (v13).  So far in my reading of Zephaniah and Haggai, we see God full of grace and compassion on His people, as long as they repent and return to fellowship with Him.  This does not mean of course that we will not be punished for our sin and suffer the consequences.  We must be prepared for God to deal with us according to what we have done - see also post yesterday and Romans 2:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.  God is just - yet most importantly we should see God love us, so much so that He sent His Son!

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My Prayer: Jesus, You are amazing indeed!  I can never be separated from Your love and Your grace continues to pour over me - ceaselessly.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’”

 Zechariah 1:1-6

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:6b

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:6b, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions - entitled God’s Reassuring Words Call Us to Return to Him - for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  The commentary calls to mind the often quoted saying "you never realize how much you miss something until its gone." Of course in this case, God's people had gone captive and into exile as God sought to get their attention for their wandering from Him (and their resulting wickedness).  God speaks through Zechariah and He does not want God's people to repeat what their ancestors had done with their wandering from God.  He reminds them that after being taken captive and into exile, they had finally recognized what they had done - missed God's fellowship and returned to Him.  This is what God sought through Zechariah and what He still seeks for believers now.  Let us not ever forget how gracious God is and even in our punishment we should see what He is doing in our lives and know that He never stops loving us and always seeks for us to return to Him.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always good and You never stop loving us, and Your amazing grace for believers continues to flow - ceaselessly.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your goodness, love, and amazing grace.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’”

 Zechariah 1:1-6

So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:6b

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:6b, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b). The first two divisions share Zechariah's warning to God's people to not be like their ancestors, who did not repent from their wicked thoughts and ways - this led to their captivity and exile. Zechariah then shares how God's people repented and acknowledged God's justice was appropriate given their sin.  This is an important message for all believers - God reigns in all circumstances - good and bad.  He is in charge - see also Colossians 1:15-17.  God also has a plan for all of us and for believers "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).  Sometimes it is hard to see how suffering is good - yet we need to see how our circumstances are part of God's plan and how it is "working together for good." See also 2 Corinthians 12:7 where Paul shares how God did not remove the "thorn in his side" because it was serving a purpose - to keep him "from becoming conceited" (mentioned twice in same verse).  We cannot take our eye off our singular purpose - to love and glorify God and to love others as God loves us - these are the two greatest commandments and all the other commandments hang on these (see also Matthew 22:37-40).  When something is happening in our lives we must see God at work.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a just and holy God who is perfect in all ways - and You reign and work in all things for good.  Thank You Jesus for using all circumstances for good and for the love and mercy that never ceases.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers?

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? Zechariah 1:4-6a

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:4-6a, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions - entitled God’s Repeated Warnings Call Us to Return to Him - for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Here, the commentary emphasizes the repeated warnings God issues to His people to not be like their ancestors (vv2,4-6) who are described in the commentary as Judah and Israel before their exile and captivity in Babylonia and Assyria respectively.  The prophets Isaiah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah all warned God's people to repent and turn from their wicked ways and deeds. One such warning that echoes the warning in Zechariah is provided in Jeremiah 3:12-14.  Unfortunately, God's people did not heed His warnings and call to repent and the commentary describes how Jeremiah "watched with tears in his eyes as his beloved city Jerusalem was destroyed and God’s people were taken away."  Jeremiah's weeping is captured in the book of Lamentations.  The commentary then connects the warnings here in the OT to the gospel and how all of us will die - and we should take the opportunity to save ourselves for eternity by confessing our sins and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - thank You for softening my heart and for making me one of Your elect.  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers?

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not hear or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? Zechariah 1:4-6a

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a unassisted review of Zechariah 1:4-6a, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Here, the Lord seeks for us to remember - and in this case for negative reasons.  Don't do what God's people have repeatedly done.  Throughout redemptive history as portrayed in the Old Testament, God's people repeatedly turned away from God, sinned and were wicked in God's eyes.  God hates sin.  One of the many broad themes of the OT is the cycle of sin and God's wrath, and we see this very early on in Genesis 3 where among other means of punishment after the Fall, Adam and Eve are sent out from the garden of Eden.  Consistent with yesterday's message, God continues to emphasize here that He reigns, is all powerful and all knowing, hates sin, and seeks obedience.  He also loves His people and does not want to punish them but will if He needs to get our attention. Once again, fear should serve as a preservative to keep us close to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, once again, I am reminded of Your amazing grace in that while I was still hostile and an enemy to You, You saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving - not by a long shot.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  The introduction to this chapter of the commentary shares "[t]he hope of the gospel is that lost people can be found and that distant and wandering believers can come back to the Lord....Jesus calls us to return when we wander far from Him."  The commentary then shares how believers are not immune to straying from God and it points out how believers still struggle with divorce, pornography, racism, lack of tithing, etc.  Zechariah and his family are described in v1 - Berechiah - his father, and Iddo - his grandfather.  These names in Hebrew are defined with Zechariah's name meaning "the Lord Remembers," Berechiah's as "the Lord blesses," and Iddo's as "in time" with the combination of these names describing how the Lord remembers and blesses as His set time.  God gave Zechariah a message to encourage His people who had returned from Babylonian captivity and exile to continue in their efforts to rebuild the temple - yet due to various factors work stopped.  Haggai delivered a similar message. The commentary describes God's people as being complacent and discouraged in their fellowship with God - and God became very angry.  Zechariah exhorts God's people to a "renewed closeness of the Lord," and the commentary outlines three divisions, each of which provide a motivation to return to the Lord.  The first division or motivation provided by the commentary is God’s Righteous Wrath Calls Us to Return to Him.  In v2 Zechariah share how angry God was the people's ancestors and their lack of faithfulness and resulting sin.  We are referred to Psalm 78:10-11 that describes God's people and their spiritual state prior to Babylonian captivity and exile. Zechariah implores God's people to see the God they are spurning - the Lord of hosts - He who reigns over all, creator of Heaven and Earth and all of its inhabitants.  We are reminded that yes God is love, compassion, mercy, etc. but he is just, we are commanded to love Him (most important commandment), and scripture is clear that the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23).  As such, when we sin and especially when we spurn God we should be clear that God has every right to be angry.  He may be slow to anger (Nahum 1:3) but a righteous and just God does get angry with us when when we sin. The commentary shares: "[w]hen people deliberately take the path of sin and rebellion, when we determine to distance ourselves from Him, we experience God’s anger, His righteous wrath, just as the Jewish people did in their history. God is angry at sin in my life and in your life. And when we rebel against Him, we place ourselves into His anger zone."  We should be very careful straying from God and a reverent fear of God should drive us into His arms - John Piper refers to "fear as a preservative," helping us understand that God may love us but at the same time He is just and all powerful and can mete out His wrath and judgement just as easily as He can love. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord God You are an awesome God who loves and save - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving of such incredible love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:1-6, which the commentary explores with a chapter entitled Go Home! and three divisions (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Darius is mentioned in v1 and we can recall him also playing a role in Haggai and his God-directed decree (see also this background and Ezra 1) to support Judah's return to Jerusalem from exile to rebuild the temple. The broader message of vv1-6 emphasize a common and very important theme in scripture - repentance and to remain near to God.  God is gracious (amazingly so!) and scripture is replete with examples of this grace with the Old Testament in its near entirety standing out as an example of this grace.  Zechariah delivers a message to Judah to not be like so many of its ancestors who wicked and turned away from God, and as a result they went into captivity and exile.  Judah is called to repent and turn to God, and course to stay close to God.  V6 indicates "they repented." I am immediately drawn to James 4:8a where it says: "[d]raw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 also emphasizes the theme of coming home to God.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is always full of grace and compassion, pouring out such grace daily and ceaselessly - thank You Jesus.  Of course I am undeserving of my salvation and for the grace You pour out for me.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2

“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

This morning, I maintain a pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) and use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which of course is in the middle (Day 8) of an Advent series.  Today's Advent devotion explores the star that guided the Magi to Jesus.  Piper exhorts readers to avoid a focus on what he refers to as "the marginal" by seeking to understand how the star led the Magi to Jesus or for that matter how any of the Biblical events occurred scientifically (i.e. Jonah in the belly of the fish, parting of Red Sea, the Great Flood, etc.).  Instead Piper wants us to see the larger and primary themes, what he refers to as the central realities of the of the Bible and gospel narrative.  What is clear here is that the star is doing something it cannot do on its own - God Himself of in control of Heavens and the earth and using the star to guide foreigners to worship Jesus. Piper points out that God does the same thing in the gospel of Luke where God causes the Roman empire to have a census that influences the location of Jesus' birthplace.  These events are all part of God's design and all of humanity STILL participates in the unfolding of God's design.  Piper points out as well that God's aim with the star in Matthew 2 was that all come to worship Jesus and ultimately in Matthew 28 that believers would go to all corners of the earth to tell everyone about Jesus via the Great Commission (see also Matthew 24:14).  Piper concludes by sharing: "[b]ut what is not different is the purpose and power of God in the ingathering of the nations to worship his Son. The magnifying of Christ in the white-hot worship of all nations is the reason the world exists."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You control all of Heaven and Earth, yet You are concerned with the details of my life and love me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

For today, I maintain a pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) to prepare for leading Sunday school tomorrow on round 2 of OT prophecies of Jesus.  Based on this resource on Preaching.com, round 1 last Sunday looked at the first six prophecies listed under "the life of Jesus" while this Sunday's round 2 will cover the last six:

• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  
• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor
• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

 From the presentation I prepared to lead our Sunday school class tomorrow morning, as I reviewed Zechariah 9:9, I emphasized how Jesus arrival in Jerusalem was not the expected arrival for the coming King...it was a humble beginning, consistent with his incarnation as a baby and how He came to serve and not be served.  Humility is a significant theme in scripture as is pride (antithesis of humility), and pride is often referred to as the antithesis of humility.  Believers are called to deny themselves and follow Jesus in how He came to serve.  I also found this resource on C.S. Lewis exploring humility and he recommends that prayer is a means by which you can cultivate humility by praying for other people....and we are encouraged to avoid prayer as if we are "reading over a laundry list to God, but offer deep, imaginative, caring and concerned prayers like you are holding someone else’s life, their existence, their well-being in your hand and holding that person up to God." Worthy thoughts indeed!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You are always working for me and even when You were the incarnate Son of God during Your time in ministry on earth - You ceaselessly served, putting others above Yourself, including me.  Thank You Jesus for Your humility.  I am not deserving of how You serve, my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.]

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound[.] Isaiah 61:1

First, due to illness (at least my excuse), I missed Bible study - and when I say I missed it that includes both doing it (miss #1) and (miss #2) spiritual feeding of daily bread and the commensurate blessing it provides.  Please forgive me Jesus!  I yearn to spend with You in study and prayer.  Glad to be back at it today.  For today, I pause on my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) to prepare for leading Sunday school on round 2 of OT prophecies of Jesus.  Based on this resource on Preaching.com, round 1 looked at the first six prophecies listed under "the life of Jesus" while this Sunday's round 2 will cover the last six:

• Isaiah 40:3-4 – Jesus’ ministry would be preceded by a voice calling in the desert
• Isaiah 42:1-4 – Jesus’ message of salvation would also extend to the Gentiles
• Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus would be despised and rejected  
• Isaiah 61:1 – Jesus would be the anointed on to proclaim good news to the poor
• Zechariah 9:9 – The King would come riding on a donkey
• Zechariah 11:13 – Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver

These prophecies and the message they contain encourage many, particularly believers who read the Bible and understand how Jesus fulfilled every single one of not just these six, but all prophecies from the OT.  Personally, I am encouraged by Isaiah 61:1 which offers comfort to not just poor in physical wealth, but also those who are "brokenhearted" and "captive" both to sin and in prison physically.  With wounds, Jesus' efforts to bind up the brokenhearted helps with healing, and salvation through Jesus offers freedom from the sting of sin and death, helping us see that eternal rewards await the faithful and they offer riches well beyond the experience of any suffering we may experience now. More tomorrow on this prophecy and the others...

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My Prayer. Lord Jesus, You are SO good - thank You for helping me feel better and for always getting me through those times when I experience a broken heart. I am not deserving of how You heal both physically and spiritually.. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

 Haggai 2:20-23

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:21-23

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here the commentary highlights how the text promises three things: (1) "power will be restored to them, (2) peace will reign, and (3) they will have His presence."  The commentary further describes these promises in the text as God shows his authority to do whatever He pleases to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises.  Israel suffered under exile and captivity but God restores them.  Weapons of war, including chariots and riders "will go down...by the sword of his brother," implying Israel will have peace.  This is not just peace from conflict but also a supernatural peace of mind and the commentary refers us to John 14:27.  Finally, the commentary, as do my sources from my post yesterday, highlight how God chooses Zerubbabel as "like a signet ring," and this points to the coming of Jesus as Jesus is in Zerubbabel's line (see Matthew 1). The commentary shares: "God deeply loved Zerubbabel and Israel, and that God was also entrusting him with His authority, which is symbolized by the ring. This offer of authority is a step beyond forgiveness; it is a declaration of the restoration of the close relationship between God and His chosen people. God not only forgives, He not only redeems, He not only blesses, but He also restores. What was initially a kingdom in shambles, slowly dying in its own disobedience, is now a robust and blessed kingdom, led well by a repentant and God-focused leader."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus for redeeming and forgiving my sin and for restoring me by reconciling me with You.  I am not deserving of these blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

 Haggai 2:20-23

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:21-23

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, I fudge on my claim that this is an unassisted review which is only partially true - while I don't lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary for this text, I do lean on both Ligonier.org - Teaching Fellowship of R.C. Sproul, and its post here, and GotQuestions.org and its post here.  The latter post describes the signet ring referenced in v23 as a mark by ancient kings to "to designate authority, honor, or ownership."  Further, it shares that "[i]t is important to understand who Zerubbabel is. He is the governor of the rebuilt Jerusalem and is himself of royal blood, being a descendant of David and the grandson of Judah’s King Jehoiachin. Years earlier, Jehoiachin had lost his throne when he was deported to Babylon; in fact, God pictured Jehoiachin as a signet ring being removed from God’s finger (Jeremiah 22:24). Now, God calls Zerubbabel the “signet ring,” but this time it won’t be removed.  In Haggai’s prophecy, God is giving Zerubbabel encouragement and hope. The governor is “chosen” for a unique and noble purpose. As God’s signet ring, Zerubbabel is given a place of honor and authority. God is reinstating the Davidic line and renewing His covenant with David. Judah still has a future as they look forward to the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would one day “overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms” (v22). Ligonier.org adds: "God's promise to exalt Zerubbabel, that is, one of Zerubbabel's sons, is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who is David's descendant through Zerubbabel (Matt. 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, fulfilling Haggai's word."  This morning's study dovetails nicely with the study from our Sunday school class on OT prophecies of Jesus.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and faithful God and I can count on Your Word, as all the promises made in scripture about a coming Messiah came true with You.  ALL of the promises of God find their yes in You (1 Corinthians 1:20).  You are so good and so faithful.  Thank You Jesus for providing and never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of Your love and faithfulness.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.

 Haggai 2:15-19

I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the LORD....Indeed, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you. Haggai 2:17, 19

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 2:15-19, which the commentary outlines as the second division (entitled The People Were to Consider Where They Had Come From and Be Encouraged by What God Had Called Them To) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, the commentary emphasizes how God calls people to repentance.  God makes our sin clear to us, while at the same time, He makes His grace clear to us.  A sister in Christ pointed out to me Psalm 51:16-17 yesterday which is very appropriate for my study this morning on how God calls us to repentance.  In this Psalm, David cries out to God seeking reconciliation after Nathan confronts David about his sin of adultery and murder.  Vv16-17 describe David's "broken and contrite heart," which God "does not despise." The amazing nature of God's grace then becomes clear to us in this state - we see the free offer of Jesus, and it becomes all the more amazing when we recognize how it was accomplished - by Jesus' willingness to die on the cross for us.  Israel was disobedient for sure as they turned away from God, but God softened their heart and they returned to Him.  In return, they are blessed.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who made clear my sin to me, softening my heart and making me one of Your elect - thank You Jesus for saving me!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.