"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 an unassisted 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).  In what appears to be a pivot from a prophecy of final days and the Battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation (see post yesterday), here the text starts by describing how in v10a God "will pour out...a spirit of grace and pleas of mercy" upon seeing the sight of Christ crucified - a messianic prophecy.  God's people are then described - v10b-13 - as mourning and weeping over the crucified Christ. Vv12-13 describe mourning of families "by themselves" suggesting hiding in the face of persecution.  V13:1 then shares how God will provide "a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."  This fountain is the inexhaustible supply of grace that flows from Christ to believers for forgiveness of sin. See also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com. I am immediately reminded of Lamentations 3:22-23 where Jeremiah shares how God's love and mercies never cease and they are new every morning. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are amazing and Your grace and mercy is great and it never ends! Thank You Jesus!  I know that am not deserving of my salvation and this inexhaustible supply of grace and mercy.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn 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.    

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Zechariah 12:2-9

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 an unassisted 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, the text describes two future scenarios for Israel: (1) vv2-4 describe how God will unleash his wrath on Jerusalem and Judah - perhaps once again portraying how in 70 AD the city is sacked; (2) vv5-9 describe how the clans of Judah will be spared and saved.  Vv5-9 also suggest a messianic prophecy, in particular v8 where "the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David," as the humble arrival of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God (as a baby) represents the "feeblest among them" who rises to become King of Kings. Looking ahead, it is clear this is a messianic prophecy as v10 refers to "him whom they have pierced."  Once again, regardless of the earthly circumstances that surround us, including violence, sin, disease, etc. believers can take great comfort in knowing that we are saved and God is saving a place for us in Heaven - which surely will be incredible as per Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are awesome in all ways and You save!  You have already won the victory over sin and death and I know You are saving a place for me in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the incredible grace and blessings You pour out for me on a daily basis!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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 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. 

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Zechariah 4:1-7

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7

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 4:1-7, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  Here, Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue to unfold - this time with a vision of a Golden Lampstand as noted by the text's header.  Zechariah is talking with an angel who seeks to have Zechariah focus on a lampstand that is before him.  Per vv1-3, the lampstand is of all gold, has a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, each with seven lips, and two olive trees beside it - one on the left and one on the right. The use of lampstands (see also other scripture references here) suggests a holy place such as the tabernacle or temple, a place where we see the presence of God.  Similarly the use of olive trees suggests provision or abundance, of course provided by God alone as a result of His grace and blessing for His people in return for their obedience to Him. Vv6-7 are key as the angel shares with Zechariah what the significance and meaning of this vision.  The Lord will deliver a message to (and through) Zerubbabel (governor of Judah and through whom Jesus descends - see also Matthew 1) that the almighty God is coming through the Spirit (Messiah) and similar to John 1:23 (see also Isaiah 40:3-4), we are told to "make straight the way of the Lord" suggesting easy passage for the coming messiah - Zechariah's vision shares (4:7) how the wilderness will become a plain.  Accompanying the Spirit will be "the top stone" suggesting the cornerstone - the coming Messiah.  This Spirit will arrive "amid shouts of Grace, grace to it."  This shouting calls to mind similar shouting of hosanna by those greeting the arrival of Jesus on a donkey on Easter.  Believers know that such a vision is indeed a prophecy of the coming Messiah and Jesus fulfills this prophecy!  He is the promised One and Hope!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope that You are and for Your faithfulness to fulfill all the promises and prophecies You make.  You are indeed faithful and I can count on You.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of Your faithfulness.  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.     

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 51-53

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

I continued my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - and on Day 5b of Lesson 19, my focus moves to Isaiah 53 we see as clear a picture of the gospel - albeit as prophecy of Jesus during Isaiah's day - as we see anywhere in scripture. We all sin, we all need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior.  Jesus, led a sinless life and willingly laid down His life for all of humanity, bearing all of our sin as a sacrifice, and in so doing, drank the cup of wrath meant for us.  This sacrifice gave us forgiveness of sin.  Jesus did not stop there of course, He rose from the grave, is seated in Heaven and saving a place for those believe and accept Him as their Lord and Savior.  Indeed - the greatest gift of all time!

Thank You Jesus!

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My Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving me the greatest gift of all time - my salvation.  Of course I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues.  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 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.

As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

Isaiah 51-53

As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand. Isaiah 52:14-15

I continued my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - and on Day 5a of Lesson 19, my focus is again on Isaiah 52:13-15. Here, we have a clear portrait and prophecy of Jesus - the coming Messiah.  Yet, at the time, much of Israel did not recognize Jesus as promised King.  Nevertheless, a remnant did and Jesus built His church on them, including Peter.  God revealed Himself and gave understanding to believers - that they may see and understand.  All believers should be clear that our faith is a gift.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who gave me my salvation and faith - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my hear, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing!

Isaiah 47-50

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! Isaiah 49:13

I resumed my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - today moving on to Lesson 18 day 4a, which focuses on Isaiah 49:1-13. Having already started a study of Isaiah 49 within this lesson on day 3, and having reviewed my commentary on this chapter, I now recognize Jesus as being the key speaker in Isaiah 49:1-13. In 8-13, we see Jesus as:

• answering/helping us (v8)
  
• as a covenant to the people (v8)
  
• establishing the land (v8)
  
• freeing prisoners from sin/bondage (v9)
  
• feeding us (both spiritually/physically) (v9)
  
• not hungering or thirsting (including spiritually/physically) (v10)
  
• protected (v10)
  
• led/shepherded (v10)
  
• provides a path to God (v11)
  
• comforts and has compassion on us (v13)

My commentary describes how Jesus is praised by the "heavens and earth [v13], set free at last from decay [Romans 8:19]."  For this and more, we should recognize Jesus as worthy of praise, honor and glory forever and ever! (1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 5:13, 7:12).  Our lives should reflect such praise, honor, and glory - Romans 12:1.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is worthy of all praise, honor and glory, forever and ever!  I am not deserving of the love and blessings You pour out for me - daily.  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 energy.  Please 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.

I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Isaiah 42-44

I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7

I returned to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continue with Lesson 16, Day 3b, where the focus remains on Isaiah 42, particularly v5-17. As the primary focus of the latter chapters (40-66) of Isaiah shifts to messianic prophecies and hope for the remnant of Israel, we see Isaiah 42 an example of such prophecies.  God is talking about Jesus and refers to Jesus as "as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness."  My study refers us to Matthew 26:26-28, John 1:1-9, 8:12, and 1:14.  In Matthew 26, we see Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper - representing the New Covenant based on Jesus' broken body and shed blood. In John 1 and 8 we see Jesus as light and as the Word dwelling among us - consistent with Isaiah 42 - so we have fulfillment of prophecy.  Once again, God keeps His promises. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who always keeps His promises - You are faithful and You never leave or forsake me - 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 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.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42-44

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I move on to Lesson 16, Day 2, where the focus is Isaiah 42.  Here, my commentary outlines the following divisions:

1. The Gentle King and His Irresistibly Advancing Kingdom (v1-7)
2. The Message of the Kingdom Resulting in Joyful Praise (v8-12)
3. The Zeal of the Warrior God Rescuing His Captive People (v13-17)
4. The Shameful Condition of God's Sinful People
   

In v1-7 we see a prophecy of the coming Messiah - Jesus Christ. He is referred to as God's servant (v1).  He has chosen Him (v1).  He delights in Him (v1).  He put His Spirit upon Him (v1). He is "giving" us Christ "as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon from the prison those who sit in darkness."  Behold indeed!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE the Promised Messiah, the One told about and anticipated about long ago in the book of Isaiah.  You came to save me and all of humanity throughout redemptive history - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You came to save me and how You did save me.  My sin is great and it continues.  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 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.