Zechariah 14 :: My God Will Come

Reader:

Here is the final chapter – not only of Zechariah, but also of life as we know it.

For this chapter is all about the “day of the LORD.” This is the day Jesus will descend from heaven and stand on the Mount of Olives. This is the day the LORD of hosts shall be King. This is the day the LORD my God will come.

The description is both painful and blissful. For some, this day causes great panic. For others, this day causes great worship. The difference in reaction is based solely on one’s opinion of Jesus.

To those who regard Him as King, His banner “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” flies over their lives.

To those who reject Him as King, the banner “a Canaanite” flies over their lives.

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:17)

 

(Zep 1:14-18; Rev 16:12-16, 19:11-21, 22:1-5; Mat t 24:29-31; Eze 47; John 7:37-39; Jer 31:38; Deut 6:4; Eph 4:5-6; Acts 4:12; Phi l 2:5-11; Ex 28:31-38; Rev 21:27, 22:15)

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged 2nd Coming Kingship Worship Holiness.

Zechariah 13 :: Names

Reader:

What’s your name?

Why? Because your name is your identity.

For instance, when you read the name, “John,” who comes to mind? Regardless of how many people you know that are named “John,” you can identify each individual separately. What you have experienced or observed about a particular “John” relates to how you define “John.”

Ultimately, we lack a tremendous amount of information as we attempt to define others, and even ourselves.

What about when you read the name of Jesus? How do you define Jesus? How does Jesus define Himself?

In Zechariah 13, we see the LORD exterminating the names, the identities, the definitions of God that are sourced apart from His self-revelation.

When we call on the name of Jesus for salvation, for life, when we say that, “The LORD is my God,” God answers and says, “[You] are My people.” Because He is our God and we are His people, He will not tolerate any other gods in our lives.

May He cut off every idol from the landscape of our minds and hearts. May we receive our new names, our new identities, from Him.

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged Blood Idolatry Name.

Zechariah 12 :: Poured Upon

Reader:

Chapters 12-14 represent a singular context in Zechariah’s prophecy.  The first verse reminds us of who truly sourced these words: “Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him.”

These are not man’s words, man’s ideas, nor man’s desires – these are the very words of the Being who created the heavens and the earth and human beings in His image.

There is a day coming when, “the LORD will save,” when “the LORD will defend,” Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. These words give us insight into the mindsets of those who support, and of those who oppose, the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.

There is a day coming when God will pour, “the Spirit of grace and supplication,” upon the nation of Israel.

From the moment your mind was first awakened to the reality that there is a God, He has been pouring out His Spirit of grace, underserved favor, upon you. His grace enables you to look, to really see, Jesus who was pierced, not just on your behalf, but by you. His grace enables you to mourn – a godly sorrow that produces repentance and leads to salvation. His grace enables you to ask for more grace.

Ask in faith in Jesus.

Posted on January 28, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged Grace.

Zechariah 11 :: Howl

Reader:

Please notice the dramatic shift that occurs in Zechariah’s prophecy.

The prior chapter begins with a command: “Ask the LORD for rain.”

Chapter 11 also begins with a command: “Open your doors… that fire may devour…”

Why the shift? Because God’s people are not hearing nor heeding His Word.

The nation of Israel had achieved the short-term goal of rebuilding the temple but the long-term goal of rebuilding their relationship with God remained in rubble.

Fire, or judgment, is coming because people have rejected God as their only Shepherd.

Part of this prophecy was fulfilled when Judas betrayed Jesus. Part of this prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70. Part of this prophecy will be fulfilled when the Antichrist arrives.

Have you fully returned to the LORD? Is Jesus truly your only Shepherd? His heart remains wide open to you. Hear and heed His voice.

(Isa 64; Jer 18, 22, 25; Eze 34, 37; Matt 26:14-16, 27:3-9; Acts 1:16-20; Rom 9:19-21; 2 Tim2:20-26; John 5:43, 10; Rev 13)

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged Fire Rejection.

Zechariah 10 :: Thrive

Reader:

The major theme of Zechariah seems to focus around what will occur when the LORD of hosts returns.

We can relate this to His presence in our lives today and our great anticipation of the soon return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.

In chapter 10, Zechariah’s prophecy focuses on the future restoration of Judah and Israel. This chapter is setup by the last verse of chapter 9: “Grain shall make the young men THRIVE, and new wine the young women.”

For one to enjoy bread and wine the crop must have produced its fruit. For a crop to produce its fruit it must be watered. Therefore, God tells us to ask Him for rain.

Ask Him, in faith, to provide all that is necessary for His desired fruit to be produced in your life.

May you THRIVE in His presence!

Posted on January 14, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged Revival Rain.

Zechariah 9:1-10:1 :: Prisoners of Hope

Reader:

Your King is coming to you!

This truth may strike fear or joy. 

"Return to Me," says the LORD, "and I will return to you."

Seek God today. Ask Him to revive your life - to revive your relationship with Him. He is passionately in love with you. His heart is wide open to you. Open your heart wide open to Him. Ask Him for rain - to refresh your mind and to awaken the seeds He has planted in your heart.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, our Father has freed us from all prisons and has caused us to be Prisoners of Hope - your King is coming to you! 

Posted on January 7, 2018 by Blake West and filed under Zechariah and tagged Revival Rain Hope.