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.
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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.
