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.
