“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.
Comment and discuss this post.
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.
