October 2 - Zechariah 1-4
Zechariah is a very encouraging book, even though it is very symbolic, so parts of it are hard to interpret. Don't let the symbols get you down or bog you down. Look at the clear meaning, and apply the spiritual principles to your life today.
God used Zechariah to encourage the people of God to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. If they had been discouraged, they might not have completed the task. They might not have even obeyed the Lord. That is what being discouraged does to people. However, Zechariah reminded them that if they would return to God, He would return to them. (1:3) God was ready, but they had to take the first step. Our actions have a lot to do with God's actions. (1:6) We must not sit back and blame God for not acting or for not coming to us. We must realize that He is watching to see our hearts, and He responds to our obedience or disobedience. Do you think that puts too much emphasis on us? It doesn't, because God still works out His ultimate will in the world, but He wants to see if He can use us and bless us.
In Zechariah's day God was urging the Israelites to rebuild His Temple. (1:16) He assured them it would be built. However, it would only happen as God protected His people from their enemies and guided them with power to complete His will. This included rebuking Satan. (3:2) God can clear the way for His people, if we will trust Him with faithful hearts. This truth is stated in Zechariah 4:6. Do you think you are good enough to do God's will? Do you think you can do it on your own? It is not by might or power, but by the Spirit of God that His will is done. Will you be filled with the Spirit automatically? I don't think so. It is a daily process of confession and filling was we surrender control to His Spirit. If I am living my life my way, am I surrendering to His Spirit? No, our actions have to reveal the devotion of our hearts to the Lord and His ways.
I am not sure what the vision of the two anointed ones in Zechariah 4:11-14 means, but I do know that a literal translation is the "sons of fresh oil." That is the key. We need fresh oil each day. The oil is a symbol of the Spirit. We need to spend time with the Lord each day to receive the fresh anointing in order to do His work. Also, we need to obey His Word to set aside one day a week to worship Him. These actions show God our hearts of trust toward Him. Then, He can bless us and empower us to do His work.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 5-8.
God used Zechariah to encourage the people of God to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. If they had been discouraged, they might not have completed the task. They might not have even obeyed the Lord. That is what being discouraged does to people. However, Zechariah reminded them that if they would return to God, He would return to them. (1:3) God was ready, but they had to take the first step. Our actions have a lot to do with God's actions. (1:6) We must not sit back and blame God for not acting or for not coming to us. We must realize that He is watching to see our hearts, and He responds to our obedience or disobedience. Do you think that puts too much emphasis on us? It doesn't, because God still works out His ultimate will in the world, but He wants to see if He can use us and bless us.
In Zechariah's day God was urging the Israelites to rebuild His Temple. (1:16) He assured them it would be built. However, it would only happen as God protected His people from their enemies and guided them with power to complete His will. This included rebuking Satan. (3:2) God can clear the way for His people, if we will trust Him with faithful hearts. This truth is stated in Zechariah 4:6. Do you think you are good enough to do God's will? Do you think you can do it on your own? It is not by might or power, but by the Spirit of God that His will is done. Will you be filled with the Spirit automatically? I don't think so. It is a daily process of confession and filling was we surrender control to His Spirit. If I am living my life my way, am I surrendering to His Spirit? No, our actions have to reveal the devotion of our hearts to the Lord and His ways.
I am not sure what the vision of the two anointed ones in Zechariah 4:11-14 means, but I do know that a literal translation is the "sons of fresh oil." That is the key. We need fresh oil each day. The oil is a symbol of the Spirit. We need to spend time with the Lord each day to receive the fresh anointing in order to do His work. Also, we need to obey His Word to set aside one day a week to worship Him. These actions show God our hearts of trust toward Him. Then, He can bless us and empower us to do His work.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Zechariah 5-8.