Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Acts 13:1-12

 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Acts 13:12

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday.  For today, I lean on sermon delivered by John Piper covering Acts 13:1-12.

• Acts is narrative of how the book of Acts is a transition from how God sent His Son Jesus into the world to how Christ sent the church into the world. Churches out to be not in maintenance mode but in mission mode.
  
• Acts 13 is a great example of mission mode. 
• God's mission heart started at Advent to send His Son that extends to His church to save cannot be stopped.  God softened the heart of leaders such as Sergius Paulus who pave the way to lead others to Him (v7, 12). He also removes obstacles such as Bar Jesus/Elymas that seek to stop God's mission (vv6-11).
• The straight paths of the Lord vv8,10 represent God's mission to bring Good News to the world and to bring many to Himself in faith.  God has straight paths - He gives wisdom and He removes obstacles. We pray, we fast, we seek and God provides straight paths. 
  
• The proconsul believed - this is the straight path in this text.  God used Elymas as a means to demonstrate His might to Sergius Paulus.  God uses these obstacles for His purpose to bring about His plan. 
• Grow, press on in mission mode. Don't slip into maintenance mode.
• Don't let the Elymas characters of the world stop you - there are these characters in our lives; trust in God, pray, seek Him and God will make straight a path to His purpose. 
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God and my Savior!  I have seen how You have made straight the paths in my life to bring about Your purpose in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  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 when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday. For today, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at Book video for Acts 13:48 (Part 2 of 2) where John Piper unpacks the text looking at the origin (as opposed to yesterday which looked at both who/what is the decisive cause of our faith and then what the implications are) of the doctrine of unconditional election.  John Piper makes five observations from this exercise: (1) election is not based on foreseen faith, meaning that God does not see a measure of faith and then cause election, (2) believers' faith is owing to God's grace and initiative, (3) believers are rescued from sentencing ourselves to death, (4) the gospel is for everyone (see Acts 14:39 where the Word is preached to everyone and there are some who believe), and (5) we know who the elect are by who believes.  Once again a key takeaway for believers is to share the gospel boldly, not focusing on any outcome, allowing God to be the decisive cause in someone's faith.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my faith - what a gift it is.  You also give me salvation and so much more - thank You Father God for showering me with such incredible blessings.  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. 

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday. For today, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at Book video for Acts 13:48 (Part 1 of 2) where John Piper unpacks the text looking at the doctrine unconditional election.  The key question at hand is who or what was the decisive cause of our faith? The text is clear on this question - not just with this verse which describes how many Gentiles "were appointed to eternal life [and] believed."  It is God who is of course doing the appointing or election and this election is unconditional because there is nothing we can do to earn this election.  Piper refers us to John 10:26-27, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 2:24-26 which support this doctrine.  To conclude the lab, Piper then shares how there are several takeaways from the text in terms of how it should move us: (1) we should be humble because we know it is God who gives us faith and it is not of our own doing, (2) we should be thankful because it is a gift God gives us to us and it is of course of value (an understatement!) and a blessing, and (3) we should have hope for others, even the hardest of sinners because there is no obstacle to faith that God cannot tear down for someone to come to faith.  This also reinforces a key theme I've been looking at with Acts 13-14 - that Paul and Barnabas, as the travel on their 1st missionary journey, are persistent in sharing the Good News with others, even when some reject it.  When you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to speak boldly about the Good News of Jesus Christ, it is Christ who is the decisive cause of whether someone listening will become one of God's elect.  When someone does not believe, it does not change our mission to continue sharing the gospel - our job is to share the Good News, not to soften hearts, bring someone to repentance, or to bring about election - these are all the job of God and Him alone.  We may be an instrument of His but not the decisive cause.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and my Savior! Thank You for the gift of my faith!  I am not deserving!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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. 

Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

Acts 14

Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:15

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday.  In Acts 14, we once again see Paul speaking boldly.  Many believed (v1) but we also see opposition and persecution from the Jews (v2).  But Paul and Barnabas remained in Iconium and continued speaking boldly despite opposition and threats (vv3-4), including an effort to stone them (v5).  Undeterred, similar to Peter and John's response to the Jewish leaders who called them before the Council (see Acts 4:20), Paul and Barnabas pressed forward in their mission to share the gospel (vv6-7).  After healing a crippled man (vv8-10), those in the crowd felt compelled to worship Paul and Barnabas (vv11-13).  Yet Paul's response in vv14-15, draped in humility, exhorted the crowd to believe in the One who sent them and gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to perform such signs, wonders, and miracles.  Once again, opposition arose and Paul was dragged out and stoned (v19).  But Paul rose up and moved on - continuing to preach (v20)!  Amazing Paul and Barnabas could not be stopped!  This is clearly the hand of God.  As they continued the text shares how Paul encouraged the believers to endure in their faith despite how they will experience many tribulations (v22).  The believers (vv23-28) encouraged one another and glorified God in what He had done. Key themes in the text include (1) how Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly despite the threats to their physical safety; (2) how Paul and Barnabas remained humble despite having the great power of the Holy Spirit working in them (this is the same power that raised Christ from the dead - see also Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)); (3) fellowship among believers remained critical for encouragement and discipleship; and (4) how believers will face trials and challenges as we strive to live on mission (we will overcome - see John 16:33).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Father God, thank You for the example of Paul and Barnabas and Your Word.  I spend time with You, grow closer to You, and I am prayerful that I can become more like You and please You.  I am not deserving of how You love, save and bless me with Your Word.  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.  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.

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:51-52

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday.  Acts 13-14 comprise Paul's first missionary journey, as depicted by this map shows - from Antioch to Cyprus, to southern Asia Minor, and back to Antioch.  In Acts 13:16-41 Paul boldly proclaims the gospel to Jews in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia.  Many followed Paul after he spoke and this led to "almost the whole city gather[ing] to hear the word of the Lord" (v44). This led the Jews to be full of jealousy of Paul (and Barnabas his companion) and "began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him" (v45).  This led Paul and Barnabas to respond boldly in v46-47 that because the Jews rejected the Good News, were turning to the Gentiles who "rejoic[ed] and glorif[ied] the Word of the Lord as many as were appointed to eternal life believed" (v48). The Word then began to spread throughout the region (v49). The Jews incited persecution (v50) and drove Paul and Barnabas out.  But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium (v51) and the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (v52).  We are encouraged to know God's Word as Paul - notice how Paul confidently drew on his knowledge of the Old Testament and Biblical patriarchs/matriarchs - did and to proclaim the Good News boldly.  While we should strive to be clear and bold in the delivery of the Good News, we are not responsible for people's reaction.  If people reject God's Word, we are to continue to proclaim the Good News boldly.  We are to shake the dust from our feet and to continue sharing the Gospel. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and You are my savior!  Thank You for Your Word, the the Good News that helps me know You better, including what pleases You.  I want to please and glorify You because You are worthy and it's because I exist.  I am undeserving of my salvation and how You speak to me through Your Word.  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 [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security.

Zechariah 14:10-21

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11

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 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the commentary describes this division with the title God’s Gracious Assurances to Us.  It shares that the end times prophecy delivered by God through Zechariah provides three assurances that give us hope and comfort now:

• Vv11-15: King Jesus will establish His kingdom: "[i]n light of the fact that Zechariah and his contemporaries were working hard to restore the ruined city of Jerusalem, this prophecy must have been especially encouraging."
• Vv16-19: All nations will worship King Jesus: Survivors from other nations that attack Jerusalem during the Battle of Armageddon are described as non-combatants or those who did not participate in the attack.  They are spared God's wrath and "they will come to Jerusalem each year for the Festival of Booths, which was a celebration of the harvest. It was a time of giving thanks and praise to the Lord."  These verses also describe a drought in Egypt which depended on rain overflowing the Nile to irrigate its crops.  We are encouraged here to be thankful for God during all times (1 Thessalonians 5:18), even when we perceive that blessings "dry-up," as the commentary shares "[w]e can be grateful that Jesus is gracious enough to care for us even when we neglect to give Him thanks. Still, we miss out on certain blessings when we fail to give God thanks. We can live our lives day by day giving thanks to King Jesus and worshiping Him because of the ways He has blessed us." 
  
• Vv20-21 provides assurance that "the holiness of King Jesus will prevail:"  Revelation 21 describes a New Jerusalem where every aspect of the city will be holy - the commentary shares: "[t]hough Jerusalem has often been called the “Holy City” in Scripture and in history, with Jesus reigning, Jerusalem will truly be holy. Every part of the city—to the smallest part, such as bells on horses and pots in cupboards—will be holy to the Lord because Jesus is ruling. His coming promises our certain victory."

Once again, believers should take comfort in the gift of prophecy, and how it offers us assurances that God has already defeated sin and death, and we should continue to endure through all of what we may experience in the brokenness of this world because ultimately God is saving a place for us in Heaven.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who gives me the gift of prophecy to assure me that You have already defeated sin and death and that You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Father God Jesus!  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 for me today and every day.

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security.

Zechariah 14:10-21

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11

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 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, as the text continues to unfold a scene from end times, as the text describes both how God protects those who believe and turn to Him and how God pours out His wrath on those who do not worship Him.  V11 provides encouragement to God's faithful as God promises that Jerusalem will never again face destruction and the city will "dwell in security."  V12 then describes how those of the other nations waging war against Jerusalem will suffer in agony as their flesh, eyes, and tongues rot.  V13 shares how those who suffer this wrath will experience great panic. V14 then moves to describe how God will plunder all the surrounding nations of their wealth. V15 then shares how even the animals of these nations will suffer a plague. V16 pivots to those of all the nations who have survived God's wrath (presumably because they call on His name as faithful) - this remnant will "go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths."  Vv17-19 then shares how those who do not worship the Lord will experience no rain, a plague, and punishment. Vv20-21 conclude the text for this division, and for the book of Zechariah by sharing how bells of the horses shall have inscriptions that read "Holy to the Lord," and how pots used in the temple will be "holy to the Lord of hosts," perhaps suggesting a return to the sanctity of temple rituals and temple tools that might at the time of Zechariah been used for unholy purposes.  While certain aspects of the text are less clear, we should be clear that end times will bring judgement and accountability for all, believers and non-believers alike.  Those who have rejected God will suffer eternally.  We should be motivated to encourage others to avoid this fate - to save them.  See also Jude 22-23.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the prophecies You provide of end times and how this gives me comfort that You save and are saving a place for me.  Help me Father God be merciful to those who doubt and share the Good News with them persistently.  I am not deserving of how good You are to me Father God.  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 words for me today and every day.

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one.

Zechariah 14:4-9

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. Zechariah 14:9

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 14:4-9, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21). The commentary shares how the Mount of Olives, featured in the text for this division, "occupies a prominent place in the earthly ministry of Jesus. We read in the Synoptic Gospels that Jesus preached His most extensive sermon concerning the future, end times, and prophecy from the Mount of Olives. Recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, it is often called the “Olivet Discourse.” Then all four Gospels tell us that during His last night on earth before His crucifixion Jesus went to the foot of the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane, and offered up His soul to the Father in surrender (Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-53; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-14)."  The Mount of Olives also features in Acts 1 before Jesus ascends to Heaven. In this division of Zechariah, per the commentary: "writing over 500 years before the birth of Christ, Zechariah prophesied that at the climax of the Battle of Armageddon, the Lord will one day personally, physically, and visibly descend to earth at the Mount of Olives, just as He ascended into heaven from that place. At the instant Christ appears on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah identifies six amazing events that will happen:"

• the Mount of Olives will split in two - a sign of God's judgement
• the people of Israel will flee through this newly formed valley to Azal (it is wholly clear where this)
• Jesus will return (second coming) accompanied by Holy Ones, including, per the commentary "God’s holy ones are not only the angelic armies of heaven but also resurrected and glorified believers" (see also references to saints or holy ones at Deuteronomy 33:3; Psalms 89:5-7; Job 15:15, Leviticus 11:44-45; Psalms 16:3; Daniel 8:24).  Matthew 24:30b-31 also describes this return.
  
• The heavens will be transformed as described as light regardless of the hour; God will be the light of the heavens
• Living waters will flow perpetually providing abundant fertility during the millennial reign of Christ described in Isiah 27:6, 35:1-3, and Amos 9:13-14.
• Jesus will be acknowledged as the only Lord and God - there will no longer be other gods or false worship; He will reign and it will be clear.

Believers are encouraged to be ready as no one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36) and on that day all will be held accountable for their deeds. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me, gives me the comfort of knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won, You are victorious, and You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You 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 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. 

On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light.

Zechariah 14:4-9

On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. Zechariah 14:6-7

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 14:4-9, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  The text continues to unfold God's message to His people through Zechariah regarding a prophecy of end times.  V4 refers to on that day, consistent with preceding text on how this day refers to the Battle of Armageddon.  V4 describes how Jerusalem will be split in two and v5 shares how God's people will flee the earthquake described as similar to the earthquake during King Uzziah's reign (see Amos 1:1).  Revelation 16:18 also describes an earthquake, which of course will be "such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake."  V5c then shares how God will come, "and all the holy ones with him."  V6 then describes the new creation (see also Revelation 21) that will result after God's final victory over Satan.  The day is described as unique - known to the Lord - but of course unique and unseen by earthly bodies.  V8 describes living waters that flow east and west from Jerusalem - these living waters seem reminiscent to the waters in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2) implying how with the New Creation in Revelation, God's people are restored to the state in which they lived before the Fall.  V9 concludes the text for this division by sharing how God reigns over all and how He will be one and "his name one."  Once again, believers can take great comfort knowing that God has already won the victory over sin and death and that we are saved and He is saving a place for us in the New Creation!  Take comfort and rejoice!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing Father You are that You love and care for me, protect me, give me comfort, guide me, provide for me, and You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this amazing 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.   

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14:1-3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3

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 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here the commentary depicts the text for this division with the title Satan’s Gruesome Attack on Jerusalem.  It then shares how the text provides a glimpse of what will happen to Jerusalem at the Battle of Armageddon during end times (see Revelation 16:16 and 19:11-20), describing the scene: "[t]he intent of this worldwide attack will be to impose satanic authority on Jerusalem and to subdue God’s people completely."  The commentary then emphasizes how at that point God steps in to finally defeat Satan. We are reminded that our safety and refuge "does not depend on our distance from danger...[but instead] on our nearness to God," implying that is where our focus should be.  God is always with us and He will help us overcome anything the world will ever throw at us - He will save us and we will overcome (see John 16:33). God promises to remain near to those who remain near to Him (spending time with Him in scripture study, prayer, etc.) - see Jeremiah 29:13.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and my Savior.  I am SO grateful for the amazing grace You pour out for me every day.  You save and You are saving a place for me in Heaven and oh what a glorious place it will be.  I am not deserving of how You save and how You protect, etc.  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.

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14:1-3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text shares how Jerusalem will be sacked, with v1 describing how spoil taken from the city will be divided "in your midst" referring to possessions of God's people who are the audience of the prophecy from Zechariah.  Yet this is not referring to the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD where God delivers his wrath against his people for accumulated sin as He uses Rome to put down a Jewish rebellion (see also thoughts here re: Ezekiel 4:9-17).  Instead all (v2) nations are fighting against Jerusalem in a scene more reflective of end times and the Battle of Armageddon, consistent with the preceding text in Zechariah.  Looking forward to v4, we also see reference to "on that day," which again is consistent with preceding text as it refers to the Battle of Armageddon. This depicts a violent and scary time where a remnant - half - is exiled (suggesting protection), while invasion and violence awaits the other half.  Yet v3 once again should provide confidence and comfort knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won!  God fights for us - and we know He wins and He creates a New Creation (Revelation 21) and saves a place for us (John 14:1-4).  Be confident and comforted!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and love for me.  You intercede and fight for me and I know You have already sealed victory over sin and death - and You are saving a place for me in Heaven. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and gifts.  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 I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”

Zechariah 13:2-9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.  They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

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 13:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the commentary for the introduction to the entirety of the text 13:2-14:21 shares how the Old Testament provides 8x as many prophecies of end times as it does the birth and death of Jesus (first coming). It also shares how Biblical prophecies are provided to God's people to give us comfort, confidence, and hope for the future, as we know the victory over sin and death is already won.  The commentary for the 1st division - 13:2-9 - broadly describes a theme via a title Our Guaranteed Access to God.  The commentary then breaks down the text by describing how in vv2-4 during end times idols and false prophets will be destroyed.  It then describes how in vv7-8 the text prophecies not just end times, but also Christ's death on the cross and how the disciples and Jews were then scattered and finally the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  As the commentary concludes for the text, it offers the following as application: "God’s promise to remove impurities and restore Israel’s access to Him has a powerful application for God’s people today. Like Israel, believers need to repent from following after empty and useless alternatives to God, idols that we create with our own hands and hearts. Like Israel, we must turn from false messengers who pretend to speak truth while peddling deception and lies. And, like Israel, we can count on God hearing and answering when we call on Him, because we belong to Him."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me the comfort of knowing that You have already won victory over sin and death.  Thank You also for my salvation and for the Holy Spirit that You give me to guide me in daily activities.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You guide me and never leave or forsake 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.

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”

Zechariah 13:2-9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.  They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

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 13:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text once again focuses on end times using the reference "on that day" twice in the text 13:2-9 (vv2, 4).  Speaking to Israel through Zechariah, God provides a prophecy of end times where He condemns and idols and false prophets.  V7 shares how God will strike "the man who stands next to me" - a clear reference to Jesus and a messianic prophecy.  Vv8-9 refers to a remnant that God will refine and test as if gold and silver where this refining process removes impurities. Malachi 3:3 also refers to this "refiner's fire" and it describes how the "sons of Levi" will be purified.  While God sees all believers as justified and righteous in His eyes - imputed righteousness - God does not promise that our earthly lives will be free of challenges.  On the contrary - we will face challenges and trials as this is the nature of the fallen world in which we live and inherited from the Fall.  At the same time, God does promise that we will overcome these challenges and trials - see John 16:33.  This promise from John shares and implies that we will overcome these challenges in this life and in the life to come in Heaven.  Key ways in which God helps us overcome include the sanctification process where God equips us day-by-day where we become more like Him through our daily focus on spiritual disciplines (prayer, study of His Word, etc.) and our relationship with Him. God is also with us through the Holy Spirit. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who never leaves or forsakes me.  You also equip me to endure trials and challenges of all kinds.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for the blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor 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.     

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["]

Zechariah 12:10-13, 13:1

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["] Zechariah 13:1

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 today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:10-13:1, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, once again, the commentary clarifies how the text is a depiction of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon, foreshadowing Christ's second coming during the final days. It also shares how "Israel looks at Christ, [and] the people will realize something that had previously eluded them: their guilt in rejecting Him and their need for His forgiveness. Suddenly, the hearts of God’s people that have been hardened against Jesus, not just for decades, but for centuries and even millennia, will be softened. The rest of verse 10 as well as verse 11 describe the mourning and grief the nation will experience as they look upon Christ. The mourning is compared to that over the death of an only child or a firstborn."  Any reading that depicts prophecy of the second coming of Jesus Christ reminds me of my need to be ready since we don't know the day or hour of Christ's return (see Matthew 24:36) - we must be ready (see Matthew 24:44).  Being ready implies living our days like they are our last (see Psalm 90:12) - not letting up in our race towards Heaven (see Hebrews 12:1).  Such urgency also implies how we are to "snatch others from the fire" (see Jude 23).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and mercy that never ceases.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  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.     

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["]

Zechariah 12:10-13, 13:1

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["] Zechariah 13:1

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 today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 12:10-13:1, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  In what appears to be a pivot from a prophecy of final days and the Battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation (see post yesterday), here the text starts by describing how in v10a God "will pour out...a spirit of grace and pleas of mercy" upon seeing the sight of Christ crucified - a messianic prophecy.  God's people are then described - v10b-13 - as mourning and weeping over the crucified Christ. Vv12-13 describe mourning of families "by themselves" suggesting hiding in the face of persecution.  V13:1 then shares how God will provide "a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."  This fountain is the inexhaustible supply of grace that flows from Christ to believers for forgiveness of sin. See also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com. I am immediately reminded of Lamentations 3:22-23 where Jeremiah shares how God's love and mercies never cease and they are new every morning. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are amazing and Your grace and mercy is great and it never ends! Thank You Jesus!  I know that am not deserving of my salvation and this inexhaustible supply of grace and mercy.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such 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 the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Zechariah 12:2-9

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

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 12:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, in a correction to my thought yesterday about how the wrath of God portrayed in this division is not referring to how Jerusalem is sacked in 70 AD, but instead is referring to the Battle of Armageddon or the final days as revealed in the book of Revelation.  The commentary emphasizes how the words "on that day" appear 6 times in Zechariah 12:2-9 and how they appear 16 times across chapters 12-14.  These words refer to the event to unfold as the Battle of Armageddon.  The battle is described by the commentary: "One day all of the enemies of God, led by the Antichrist, will come to wage war against Jerusalem, gathering for battle at Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-3, Revelation 16:16; 19:19). The fight in the Valley of Armageddon is part of the battle. However, the battle is also going to be fought in the city of Jerusalem. “On that day,” then, refers to the time of the Battle of Armageddon, a day that will culminate in the second coming of Christ."  While each verse through v4 describe the how the battle unfolds, starting in v5 through v9 we see how God's people are saved.  The commentary encourages us to see how God's side always wins and how we should with reverent fear align our lives with that of God in preparation for end times.

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My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You fight for me and save.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for 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 the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Zechariah 12:2-9

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

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 12:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, the text describes two future scenarios for Israel: (1) vv2-4 describe how God will unleash his wrath on Jerusalem and Judah - perhaps once again portraying how in 70 AD the city is sacked; (2) vv5-9 describe how the clans of Judah will be spared and saved.  Vv5-9 also suggest a messianic prophecy, in particular v8 where "the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David," as the humble arrival of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God (as a baby) represents the "feeblest among them" who rises to become King of Kings. Looking ahead, it is clear this is a messianic prophecy as v10 refers to "him whom they have pierced."  Once again, regardless of the earthly circumstances that surround us, including violence, sin, disease, etc. believers can take great comfort in knowing that we are saved and God is saving a place for us in Heaven - which surely will be incredible as per Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are awesome in all ways and You save!  You have already won the victory over sin and death and I know You are saving a place for me in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the incredible grace and blessings You pour out for me on a daily basis!  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 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. 

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

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 today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, the commentary portends the text in the second and third divisions as prophecy of Jesus' second coming, which interestingly enough is - per the commentary - prophesied more often in the Old Testament than the New Testament.  With v1, the commentary describes how the text serves as a "foundation for everything that God calls His people to be and do rests in the fact that God made us....He has the sovereign and absolute right to rule over us and even to judge us."  In the New Testament, Colossians 1:15-17 shares how God reigns in all things.  Revelation 20:12-15 shares how all will be judged according to their deeds and if we are not saved and in the book of life we will be eternally damned. We are encouraged to be reminded that we are accountable to God - and to live in reverent fear of Him - see also this post from John Piper here.  

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My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You saved me - You made and formed me, and You know everything about me, including my sin.  You saved me in spite of my sin and how I was hostile to You and an enemy of You.  Thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  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.

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

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 today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, God gives Zechariah a message to deliver about Israel's future.  But before Zechariah is to give this message in detail, God wants to ensure Israel is aware of who He is so that there is no mistake about that He reigns and is provident of all.  This has both negative and positive implications.  For those who reject God, they are literally playing with fire as their ultimate destination is eternity in Hell. For those who believe, we must understand that just because God is full of grace and He forgives, we must not go on sinning (see the end of Romans 5 and 6:1 in particular).  Instead we must have reverent fear of God and this fear should be seen as a preservative to keep us from sin. At the same time, Zechariah 12:1 should be see as an all powerful God able to do anything and if He intercedes (Romans 8:34) for us and fights for us (Exodus 14:14), He is all that we need.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns, advocates, forgives, and fights for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of the grace You pour out for me and for 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 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 You message for me today and every day.  

For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed[.]

Zechariah 11:15-17

For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed[.] Zechariah 11:16a

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 11:15-17, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). The commentary shares how God asked Zechariah to portray a good shepherd in the previous division (see post yesterday), but in this division is asked to portray a "foolish, evil and worthless shepherd."  It prophecies how although Jesus arrives and fulfills prophecy as the Promised King, He is not recognized as such by the Jewish elders and leaders.  These shepherds (and false teachers) do not save as Jesus does but instead "take advantage of people and harm them mercilessly."  The commentary shares how many conservative scholars "say that the ultimate expression of the foolish shepherd is the Antichrist of the end times, who will deceive and abuse not only Israel but the entire world (Revelation 13:7)."  Believers must be constantly reminded of how this Antichrist is real and he is on the prowl looking to devour those who are lost - see 1 Peter 5:8. Once again, as the commentary emphasizes yesterday, we are encouraged to follow the only Shepherd that truly leads and saves - Jesus Christ.  We must also follow the words of Jude who exhort believers to "have mercy on those who doubt...snatching them out of the fire" (Jude 22-23). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are the Good Shepherd - as You seek and save the lost, and You care for them.  Thank You Jesus for saving me as I was lost - and You care for me and I know I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save 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 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.

But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me.

Zechariah 11:4-14

But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. Zechariah 11:8b

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 11:4-14, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17).  While believers should always look at scripture and see how it points to Jesus, I struggled with the text today and leaned into the commentary, which shares how "[i]n essence, God is commanding Zechariah to become a living picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Apart from the life of the Lord Jesus, it is nearly impossible to interpret Zechariah 11:4-14."  The commentary describes how God led His people by "three shepherds (v8) and how these three shepherds represent the three types of leaders God gave His people - kings, priests, and prophets.  In one way or another all of these leaders let God down and failed His people - earthly leaders who are broken and sinful who then lead the people astray (see post yesterday).  V8b points to how even though Jesus came and fulfilled prophecy as the promised Messiah, He was rejected by his own people. The commentary also describes another aspect of the messianic prophecy in this text (vv12-13) and how the text here parallels how Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for the same amount of money - thirty pieces of silver (see also Matthew 26:15). Building on yesterday's post the commentary concludes with this warning: "[w]e must not reject Jesus, because He’s the Shepherd we need the most. If we reject Jesus, He will ultimately reject us (Matthew 23:37-38). Rejecting Jesus leaves us with the only alternative: following shepherds who will hurt us. When we refuse to follow the Lord as our Shepherd, we will inevitably follow someone or something that will lead us to destruction."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are my Shepherd and and You saved me, lead me into green pastures, care for me, protect me, and provide for all of my needs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am no deserving of how You bless 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.

Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars! Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, for the glorious trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan, for the thick forest has been felled! The sound of the wail of the shepherds, for their glory is ruined! The sound of the roar of the lions, for the thicket of the Jordan is ruined!

Zechariah 11:1-3

Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars! Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, for the glorious trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan, for the thick forest has been felled! The sound of the wail of the shepherds, for their glory is ruined! The sound of the roar of the lions, for the thicket of the Jordan is ruined! Zechariah 11:1-3

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 11:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17).  The commentary shares how this text offers prophecy of what will occur to Jerusalem when Jesus arrives, as He is rejected by the Jewish elders and leaders.  The commentary shares: "There is strong reason to think that this is prophecy of what happened in AD 70, as the Roman army, under the leadership of General Titus, came into Jerusalem and completely leveled that city. Titus’s armies even tore down the temple, until one stone was not left standing on top of the other."  The problem described by the commentary is that when Jesus arrives and His ministry unfolds, He is rejected for who He is - the cornerstone or promised Messiah.  The Jewish elders and leaders sought an earthly leader and we all know that all earthly leaders are fallen and sinful - only Jesus is the perfect spotless lamb who can shepherd and save us.  We should not place faith in earthly leaders to do what only Jesus can do.  The text describes wailing over the destruction of Jerusalem and today there is much wailing over what exists in our broken sinful world - yet this will always be the case until Jesus returns for His second coming and as described in Revelation 21 when there will be a new Heaven and new earth.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Father God, only You save and You are saving a place for me and all believers where we will be united with all our loved ones and brothers and sisters in Christ who believe - what a glorious place this will be!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  Of course I am undeserving...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.    

Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars! Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, for the glorious trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan, for the thick forest has been felled! The sound of the wail of the shepherds, for their glory is ruined! The sound of the roar of the lions, for the thicket of the Jordan is ruined!

Zechariah 11:1-3

Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars! Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, for the glorious trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan, for the thick forest has been felled! The sound of the wail of the shepherds, for their glory is ruined! The sound of the roar of the lions, for the thicket of the Jordan is ruined! Zechariah 11:1-3

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 11:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). Building on my last two posts yesterday and the day before, Zechariah provides God's people with warnings about leaders who worship false gods and preach false teachings.  Of course, all sin and remain in bondage to this sin now and for eternity (in Hell) unless saved - and of course the Good News of Jesus saves!  False gods and teaching are pervasive and we are warned throughout scripture - 1 Peter 5:8 where we are warned us that Satan is simply waiting on us for an opportunity to pounce - and believers are encouraged to remain alert. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns us about false teachers. Believers we are encouraged to remain in Jesus - see John 15:1-11. 

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My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives me all that I need - the whole armor of God - to protect myself against Satan and false teachers/gods.  Thank You Jesus for being my strength, refuge, and rock.  I am not deserving of how You save, love, and protect.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me remain in You.  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 will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.

Zechariah 10:1-12

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. Zechariah 10:6

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 10:1-12, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). The commentary highlights two key themes: (1) God's people should be careful to avoid leaders that preach a false gospel and worship a false God, and (2) God is sending a Messiah to regather His people from all over the world.  Vv2-3 use the image of a shepherd who leads his flock astray vs imagery such as found in vv8-10 where God is caring for His flock.  The New Testament contains many warnings about false teachers and teachings and Paul's words to Timothy provide a good example of such warnings - see 1 Timothy 6:6-10. The commentary concludes for this text by sharing: "Zechariah 10 underscores the truth that the work of the Messiah, God’s faithful shepherd, is to deliver, strengthen, save, and care for God’s people. His faithfulness was demonstrated in bringing back Judah from the exile. However, it is significant that this passage, written after the exile, is clearly oriented to the future." This future of course is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who cares for me as a shepherd does, leading me, protecting me, providing for me, and caring for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving 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 for me today and every day.

I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name,” declares the LORD.

Zechariah 9:14-17

I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name,” declares the LORD. Zechariah 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 10:1-12, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). Here the text describes how God will restore His people - a broad theme for the entire book of Zechariah as Zechariah shares God's message to His people (at the time of writing) as they have returned from exile and captivity.  Generally, the words are positive - for God and for His people, but the text does contain warnings about false gods (vv2-3) as God's people have been led astray by leaders and neighbors that follow these false gods.  V4 - by using the word "cornerstone" suggests a messianic prophecy.  Broadly God is sharing how He will make His people prosperous (v1), He cares for His flock (v3) and will make them majestic (v3), how God's people will be mighty in battles against their foes as God will be with them (v5), how He strengthens, saves and will be with His people (v6), how His people will have joy (v7), how God will redeem His people (v8), how He will return the lost, captive, and scattered to Him (vv9-10), how He will go to great depths to humble previous oppressors of God's people (v11), and finally how God will make His people strong as they will walk in His name (v12).  Incredible promises from God indeed and the faithful of today can take great comfort in knowing that God is faithful and we can find all of His promises have a yes in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). 

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My Prayer: Father God, how awesome are You that You walk with Your people, care for them and love on them in such ways as You describe in the text today.  Your grace is amazing and I am not deserving of this grace 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 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.

On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.

Zechariah 9:14-17

On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. Zechariah 9:16

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 today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 9:14-17, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17).  This final division in chapter 9, which of course includes the prophecy of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey, describes the implications of Jesus' arrival.  The commentary shares how this division provides four images of how God's glory is revealed through Jesus:

• vv14-15: God fights for His people and He gains total victory for them; "[a]s a result of the victory the Lord will win for them, the armies of God’s people will “consume and conquer” their enemies and become drunk on their blood—a gruesome image, but one that nonetheless graphically describes total victory for the people of Israel."
• v16: God's people are protected and saved as a shepherd protects and saves his sheep from harm
• v16: God's people are jewels in a crown, radiant not just to Him but to others that are drawn by His attributes shining through them
• v17: God brings "physical health and well[-]being" to His people 

All of us experience anxiety and fear, and for believers, it is comforting to know that we have a Savior who sits at the right hand of God, has already interceded on our behalf, and continues to do so through provision of an inexhaustible fountain of grace that flows to us on a daily basis.   See also the story of the Israelites in Exodus 14 and how they were trapped and panicked upon seeing the chasing Egyptian army bear down on them - Moses shares how God fights for His people and how we are to silent and trust Him - see Exodus 14:14. Praise God that we can walk in fellowship with Him!

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for already securing victory over sin and death and how You protect and continue to intercede on my behalf.  What a great God You are!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings and grace You continue to pour out on me daily.  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 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.  

On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.

Zechariah 9:14-17

On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. Zechariah 9:16

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 today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 9:14-17, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17).  Here, building on the previous division (see yesterday and previous day) that includes one of scripture's most well known messianic prophecies (v9), here we see a more ominous prophecy - one suggestive of Christ's return during the final days.  V14 includes imagery of lightning, a trumpet sound, and marching armies. V15 shares how God will protect His people and how His people shall devour - assuming their enemies.  V15 also includes how His people will wield sling stones - the same weapon David used to overcome the seemingly more powerful Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:50). The imagery from v15 of how God's people will be "full like a bowl, drenched like the corners of the altar," is particularly ominous given the Old Testament altar was sprinkled with blood as part of offerings to God. Vv16-17 end on a less ominous note as God's people experience victory over their enemies and how this brings both glory to God and prosperity to His people.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are SO good! I know and can take comfort that You have already sealed the final victory over sin and death and You both saved me and saved a place for me in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  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.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Zechariah 9:9-13

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Zechariah 9:11

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 9:9-13, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17). The commentary of course discusses the messianic prophecy in v9, and it describes in detail the peace that Jesus will bring.  Of course we know this to be the "peace which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:6-7).  Vv11-13 is also emphasized in how with Christ we have a new covenant (vs OT covenant based on recurring animal sacrifices) based on the shedding of His blood on the cross - see also Hebrews 12:24.  V11 in particular is highlighted for how Jesus provides hope for those in bondage due to our fallen state.  Jesus saves!  This hope calls to mind the interaction Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well and for those who drink the water Jesus offers they will never thirst again (see John 4).  

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My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and is full of amazing grace.  Thank You Jesus.  I know that I have the living water and I will never thirst again...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 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.