Sunday, February 23, 2025

"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).

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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.