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.
Comment and discuss this post.
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.
