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.
